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Belarusian Leader Pardons 23 People Jailed for 'Extremism'

In this photo released by Belarus' Presidential Press Service, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, second right, visits the Minsk City Technopark in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Belarus' Presidential Press Service via AP)
In this photo released by Belarus' Presidential Press Service, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, second right, visits the Minsk City Technopark in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Belarus' Presidential Press Service via AP)
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Belarusian Leader Pardons 23 People Jailed for 'Extremism'

In this photo released by Belarus' Presidential Press Service, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, second right, visits the Minsk City Technopark in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Belarus' Presidential Press Service via AP)
In this photo released by Belarus' Presidential Press Service, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, second right, visits the Minsk City Technopark in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Belarus' Presidential Press Service via AP)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 23 people who were convicted of extremism, state media reported on Saturday.
State news agency Belta said three women and 20 men had been pardoned, among them 13 were older than 50, 14 had chronic diseases, 12 had children. According to Reuters, it did not give any of their names.
"All of them applied for pardon, admitted their guilt, and repented of what they had done," Belta reported.

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Hundreds of Swedish Forces Arrive in Latvia in Largest Deployment with NATO to Date

Swedish and NATO flags are seen printed on paper this illustration taken April 13, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Swedish and NATO flags are seen printed on paper this illustration taken April 13, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
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Hundreds of Swedish Forces Arrive in Latvia in Largest Deployment with NATO to Date

Swedish and NATO flags are seen printed on paper this illustration taken April 13, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Swedish and NATO flags are seen printed on paper this illustration taken April 13, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

Hundreds of Swedish troops arrived in Latvia on Saturday to join a Canadian-led multinational brigade along NATO's eastern flank, a mission Sweden is calling its most significant operation so far as a member of the Western defense alliance.

A ship carrying parts of a mechanized infantry battalion arrived early Saturday in the port of Riga, the Latvian capital, escorted by the Swedish air force and units from the Swedish and Latvian navies, the Swedish armed forces said in a statement, The AP reported.

Latvia borders Russia to its east and Russia ally Belarus to its southeast. Tensions are high across Central Europe due to Russia's war against Ukraine.

Sweden's armed forces said the mission of 550 troops will contribute to the alliance’s deterrence and defense efforts, and ensure stability in the region, and that it “marks Sweden’s largest commitment yet since joining NATO.”

Commander Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl of the 71st Battalion said he felt great pride in contributing to the alliance's collective defense.

"It’s a historic day, but at the same time, it’s our new normal,” he said.

The Swedish troops join one of eight NATO brigades along the alliance’s eastern flank. The battalion is stationed outside the town of Adazi, near Riga.

Sweden formally joined NATO in March as the 32nd member of the trans-Atlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality and centuries of broader nonalignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Finland also abandoned its longstanding military neutrality to join NATO in April 2023, due to anxieties sparked when Russia invaded Ukraine the previous year.