Alyaksandr Lukashenka said that among the released political prisoners who remained in Belarus, 30–40 individuals may pose a threat and that all of them are under the control of the security services, BelTA reports.
Speaking to Belarusian journalists on March 20, Lukashenka stated that the events of 2020 would not be repeated.
“Do not worry that we released them,” he said about the freed political prisoners. “Everything is under control here. There will be no 2020 in Belarus, guys. I do not want to run around the streets with a gun. I will not allow that, and everyone is focused on this. We understand what they wanted — to destroy and overturn the country. It was a blow not only to us but also to our children and grandchildren. Can I allow that? No!”
Lukashenka added that out of the 235 people who remained in Belarus, 30–40 could pose a risk, but they are being monitored.
“We know them. Before releasing them, they were all placed under control by the security services and the police,” he said.
It was reported the day before that 250 political prisoners were pardoned following talks between Lukashenka and U.S. Special Envoy John Coale. Of them, 15 were deported to Lithuania without documents, while 235 were expected to be released inside Belarus. As of the morning, none had yet been freed, though releases began later.
