Lukashenko Frees Political Prisoners Amid International Pressure

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has released 13 political prisoners, including veteran trade unionist and former state TV journalist. Human rights groups attribute these actions to international pressure. Despite the releases, the rate of political prosecutions in Belarus is reportedly increasing, with over 1,400 political prisoners currently held.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has freed at least 13 more prisoners convicted in political cases, according to human rights activists. Among those released were a veteran trade unionist and a former state TV journalist suffering from a brain tumour. This follows the release of 18 individuals in early July.

Former journalist Kseniya Lutskina, sentenced to eight years for conspiracy to seize power, and trade union leader Vasil Berasnieu, sentenced to nine years for extremist activity, incitement to hatred, and calling for actions deemed harmful to state security, were among those freed. The pardons have been portrayed by state media as humanitarian acts, with some prisoners expressing remorse and gratitude on state TV.

Despite these releases, human rights group Viasna reported that the rate of prosecutions in Belarus is rising, with at least 170 people convicted in July alone for politically related crimes. The group says Belarus holds around 1,400 political prisoners. Opposition aides and activists view the releases as a response to international pressure, especially from Poland, but do not see them as indicative of a policy change.

(With inputs from agencies.)