Nobel Laureates Urge Lukashenko to Release Political Prisoners

Fifty-five Nobel prize winners, including Belarusian writer Svetlana Alexievich, have signed an open letter urging Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko to release political prisoners. This comes after a human rights group reported the release of 18 prisoners earlier this month, though approximately 1,400 remain incarcerated for political activities.

Fifty-five Nobel prize winners have signed an open letter urging Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko to release more political prisoners, following a human rights group's report that 18 were freed earlier this month.

The appeal was signed by three Nobel literature prize winners, including Belarusian writer Svetlana Alexievich, along with seven peace laureates and 45 winners in science and economics. "It is unacceptable to subject the people of your country to severe trials and harsh conditions solely for their beliefs," the signatories wrote to Lukashenko.

Viasna, a Belarusian human rights group, said 18 political prisoners were released, including veteran opposition figure Ryhor Kastusiou. However, around 1,400 remain imprisoned for political activity. Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has ruled Belarus for three decades and has been criticized for a violent crackdown on peaceful protests following a disputed 2020 election.

(With inputs from agencies.)