Lukashenko's calculated release: Political prisoners as pawns
Alexander Lukashenko has released another 30 political prisoners who were facing charges related to organizing protests. Experts believe this is not an act of goodwill by the dictator but a signal to the West.
5 September 2024 08:32
On Wednesday, the Belarusian government announced the release of 30 political prisoners. The West was among the recipients of this release.
Official media in Belarus reported the release of prisoners on Wednesday. The release includes 23 women and seven men, bringing the total number of prisoners of conscience released in the last two months to 78.
More political prisoners pardoned
Political scientist Valer Karbalevich assesses for Radio Svaboda that Lukashenko wants to gain recognition from Western countries for the results of the 2025 elections. Therefore, he is sending such small signals to the West.
According to him, by releasing a small number of political prisoners, Lukashenko is trying to "test the waters, see if the West is ready to talk, and gauge the reaction".
Veiled motivations
Experts believe that the 70-year-old Lukashenko is likely preparing the ground for next year's presidential elections, which he plans to "win" once again.
This demonstration of humanitarianism is also aimed at Belarusian society. Lukashenko wants to improve his image and look more humane, assesses Karbalevich, who is convinced that the authorities' decisions are dictated by calculation.
In a similar vein, analyst Vyacheslav Karastin assesses Lukashenko's actions on the pages of the Pozirk portal. He already sees a "trend" in them, although he emphasizes that the releases are small compared to the size of the repressions.
Because the repressions continue, it is not possible to talk about a "humanitarian attack" here. Against the backdrop of the release of some, the repression machine methodically grinds others, writes the commentator.
At the same time, it should be noted that at least 1,400 people are still political prisoners. New arrests and trials are still taking place.
Minsk disappointed with the West's reaction
Although most names have not been made public, two groups can be seen among those already released. Some of them are elderly and seriously ill. There is also a group of people whose time behind bars is ending.
The release of dozens of people is good news in every respect. However, it does not have the impact on Western politicians that Minsk had hoped for. Vyacheslav Karastin emphasized that the West positively assesses that some prisoners were able to regain their freedom but continues to call for the release of all unjustly convicted.
Source: PAP
