13 political prisoners, including Berasnieu and Lutskina, were pardoned by Belarusian President Lukashenko amid international pressure.

13 political prisoners, including trade union leader Vasil Berasnieu and former journalist Kseniya Lutskina, were pardoned by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, according to human rights activists. The releases come amid increasing international pressure, particularly from Poland. While the pardons are viewed as a humanitarian act by Lukashenko, critics argue that the releases reflect international pressure rather than a reduction in repression, as numerous other political prisoners remain behind bars. The number of political prosecutions in Belarus has surged, with 170 convictions in July alone.

August 21, 2024
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