Over 4,200 convicts released under amnesty in BelarusJanuary 14, 2013 - 15:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - More than 4,200 convicts have been released from custody due to an amnesty declared on Independence Day last year, the Belarusian Interior Ministry said on Monday, Jan 14, according to RIA Novosti. The amnesty, declared last July, covered a total of 18,737 inmates. Of that number 4,226 were released from custody and 6,957 had their sentences reduced by one year. The ministry offered no breakdown, but said earlier that hundreds of underage convicts, pregnant women and women with small children would be amnestied. A total of 7,544 convicts were denied amnesty. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ordered a nationwide amnesty on July 3, 2012, but denied that it was a political move aimed to solve the crisis in EU-Belarusian relations, caused by the jailing of opposition activists in Belarus. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |