Lukashenko Pardons 30 Protest Convicts Amid Human Rights Criticism

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 30 more people convicted for protest activities, amid ongoing human rights criticisms. While the move is seen as a humane gesture, opposition and activists argue it does not signal a policy shift. Approximately 1,400 dissenters remain imprisoned in Belarus.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 30 more individuals convicted for protest activities, according to state news agency Belta.

Human rights activists report that around 1,400 people are imprisoned in Belarus for expressing dissent against Lukashenko, who has led the country for three decades. Since 2020, Lukashenko has intensified his crackdown on opponents following disputed elections. On August 16, he announced a pardon for 30 individuals, having released 18 people earlier in July.

The recently freed individuals include sick and elderly people, as well as trade union leader Vasil Berasnieu, former opposition presidential candidate Ryhor Kastusiou, and former state TV journalist Kseniya Lutskina, who is battling a brain tumor.

Belta did not disclose the names of those pardoned in the latest group but stated that it included 23 men and seven women, many of whom are parents of young children and minors. The decision was described as a humane gesture, giving these individuals a chance to return to normal life.

However, the exiled opposition and human rights groups argue that prisoner releases do not indicate a significant policy change. According to Viasna, a human rights organization, the rate of politically motivated prosecutions in Belarus is actually increasing, with at least 170 convictions in July.

(With inputs from agencies.)