Belarus frees 20, but 1,253 political prisoners remain
According to Belarusian propaganda media, Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 20 political prisoners. This is the eighth group pardoned this year. Eleven women and 14 individuals with chronic illnesses were released. There are still 1,253 regime prisoners behind bars, reports the Viasna Center.
Twenty people have been released from Belarusian prisons, pardoned by Alexander Lukashenko. This is the eighth group pardoned this year.
Among those released are 11 women. Fourteen people 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 pardon and expressed remorse. Approximately 200 people have been pardoned since the summer of this year. Despite this, political repression continues in Belarus, with the number of political prisoners at 1,253, reports the Viasna Center.
The names of those released are not disclosed. Human rights defenders are verifying information about those pardoned; however, out of concern for their safety, they also do not disclose their identities.
In Belarus, political repressions continue. Regular arrests and trials occur for participating in protests, opposition activities, or online comments. People connected with the post-election protests of 2020 are still being sought and tried.
Dictator Alexander Lukashenko relentlessly pursues anyone involved in opposition activities. The Viasna Human Rights Center reports that 1,253 people are currently recognized as political prisoners.
Despite the pardons, the political situation in Belarus remains tense. The authorities continue to repress people associated with the opposition, hindering the normalization of the situation in the country. Human rights defenders are calling for further actions to release all political prisoners.
