Lukashenko pardons 20 amid ongoing repression in Belarus
According to Belarusian propaganda media, Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 20 political prisoners. This is already the eighth group granted pardon this year. Eleven women and 14 individuals with chronic illnesses have been released. There are still 1,253 regime prisoners behind bars, reports the Viasna Centre.
Twenty people have been freed from Belarusian prisons after being pardoned by Alexander Lukashenko. This marks the eighth group pardoned this year.
Among those released are 11 women. Fourteen individuals now regaining their 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, and the number of political prisoners remains at 1,253, reports the Viasna Centre.
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 repression continues. There are regular arrests and trials for participating in protests, opposition activities, or online comments. Individuals 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 Centre 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 those associated with the opposition, hampering the normalization of the situation in the country. Human rights defenders are calling for further actions to release all political prisoners.
