ONT cut out Lukashenka's words about released political prisoners being able to stay in Belarus from the broadcast
During his trip to the Drybin district, Alexander Lukashenka commented on the issue of the release of political prisoners and negotiations with the United States. However, his words were presented differently by state resources.
Alexander Lukashenka. February 26, 2026. Photo: AP Photo / Pavel Bednyakov, Pool
As is known, yesterday Lukashenka inspected farms in the Drybin district of the Mogilev region. In a conversation with journalists, he commented on negotiations with the United States regarding the release of prisoners.
In the original version, published by the Telegram channel "Pul Pervogo" (The First's Pool), it states:
«The law is one for all. Broke the law – go. That's such a frank conversation. They want to stay [in Belarus] – please do. But within the existing legal framework. Those we don't need, either they will sit, or you will take them to America. I'm telling you quite frankly».
In the corresponding material from the state agency BelTA, we read:
«He stressed that such people are not expelled from Belarus, but they must comply with the law. (…) «They want to stay – please do. But within the existing legal framework».
However, viewers of the "Nashy Naviny" (Our News) program on ONT on Friday saw a completely different picture. The words that the released people could stay in Belarus were simply cut out. Instead, only the harsh part of the speech went on air:
«Those we don't need, either they will sit, or you will take them to America. I'm telling you quite frankly. I don't want them to run around again, throw stones or do something else. I don't want to. I must ensure my safety, the safety of my people and my state».
The "not enough time" option is immediately ruled out. As is known, stories about Lukashenka on state TV can last up to 40 minutes. There is usually time for the dictator's lengthy deliberations. This means that this editing was done intentionally.
Notably, in the news on "Belarus 1", these words of Lukashenka were not censored.
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Comments
Ў гітлераўскім рэйху так сама былі "законы", што не выратавала гітлераўскіх суддзяў і карнікаў ад кары за іх злачынствы супраць чалавецтва.