Belarus' strongman leader pardons 20 more prisoners, but rights groups say repression continues

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 20 more individuals described as political prisoners by rights activists, ahead of the upcoming presidential elections likely to extend his rule. The released group, convicted of “crimes of an extremist nature,” includes women and individuals with chronic illnesses who expressed repentance for their actions. Despite the pardons, over 1,250 political prisoners remain behind bars, including prominent opposition figures like Ales Bialiatski and Viktar Babaryka, as Lukashenko intensifies repression ahead of the January 2025 elections.

Full Article