Lukashenko pardons 20 but 1,253 remain imprisoned in Belarus
According to Belarusian state media, Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 20 political prisoners. This marks the eighth group to be pardoned this year. Eleven women and 14 individuals with chronic illnesses were released. However, there are still 1,253 political prisoners behind bars, reports the Viasna Centre.
Twenty individuals have been released from Belarusian prisons, having been pardoned by Alexander Lukashenko. This is the eighth group to be pardoned this year.
Among those released are 11 women. Fourteen individuals regaining freedom are suffering from chronic illnesses.
Pardons in Belarus: Lukashenko has freed 20 people
According to the state agency BelTA, all 20 individuals applied for pardons and expressed remorse. Approximately 200 people have been pardoned since the summer of this year. Despite this, political repression continues in Belarus, with 1,253 political prisoners currently reported by the Viasna Centre.
The names of those released are not disclosed. Human rights defenders are verifying information about those pardoned; however, for safety reasons, they also do not disclose their identities.
In Belarus, political repressions persist. There are regular arrests and trials for participating in protests, engaging in opposition activities, or making online comments. Individuals connected with the post-election protests of 2020 are still being pursued and tried.
Dictator Alexander Lukashenko relentlessly targets anyone involved in opposition activities. The Viasna Human Rights Centre reports that 1,253 individuals are currently recognised as political prisoners.
Despite the pardons, the political situation in Belarus remains tense. The authorities continue to repress those associated with the opposition, hindering the normalisation of the situation in the country. Human rights defenders are calling for further actions to secure the release of all political prisoners.
