Lukashenko Pardons Political Prisoners Amid Intensifying International Pressure

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned at least 13 political prisoners, including a veteran trade unionist and a former state TV journalist with a brain tumor. While Belarusian state media portrays these pardons as acts of generosity, rights groups and opposition activists attribute them to international pressure, especially from Poland.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has freed at least 13 prisoners convicted in political cases, including a veteran trade unionist and a former state TV journalist suffering from a brain tumour, human rights activists report.

Vasil Berasnieu, 74, a trade union leader serving a nine-year sentence for extremist activity and incitement to hatred, was among those released. Former journalist Kseniya Lutskina, serving eight years for "conspiracy to seize power" following mass protests in 2020, was also pardoned. Human rights group Viasna noted at least 11 others were also released under pardons issued by Lukashenko on Aug. 16, with 18 more freed in early July. Belarusian state media have depicted the pardons as generous humanitarian acts, showcasing remorseful detainees expressing gratitude in interviews.

Lukashenko, a long-time ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has controlled Belarus for three decades and used his security apparatus to suppress 2020 protests, jailing many and forcing others to flee. Franak Viacorka, an aide to exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, welcomed the releases but noted they don't signify policy changes. Viasna reports that political prosecutions are increasing, with 170 people convicted in July alone.

Currently, around 1,400 political prisoners are detained in Belarus, including prominent figures like Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and 2020 protest leader Maria Kalesnikava. Opposition activist Dmitry Bolkunets attributes the releases to international pressure, particularly from Poland. He remains hopeful for more releases coinciding with Lukashenko's 70th birthday on Aug. 30 or Belarus' national unity holiday on Sept. 17.

(With inputs from agencies.)