MINSK, 11 August (BelTA) - President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned nine individuals who took an active part in the riots in Independence Square on 19 December 2010, BelTA learnt from the presidential press service. The decision on clemency was taken following the requests from these persons, taking into account the fact that they recognized the illegality of their actions, pleaded guilty and sincerely repented. Guided by the principles of humanism and justice, the President also exempted 25 organizations of various forms of ownership and self-employed businessmen from administrative penalties. Among them were Integral, Zenit-BelOMO, Orsha Dairy and other companies which are important for the development of the country and individual regions. The decision will improve the economic status of these companies and self-employed businessmen and will enhance their efficiency. In addition, the head of state made a decision to exempt from criminal responsibility 28 heads of business entities, businessmen and citizens who, voluntarily and in full volume, compensated for the direct and indirect damage they inflicted on the state.

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