Lukashenko pardons another 15 people, most convicted of 'extremism'
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 15 people, 13 of whom were convicted of so-called extremist crimes. Rights group Viasna estimates more than 800 political prisoners remain held in the country.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a decree pardoning 15 people, the state news agency BelTA reported. Thirteen of those pardoned had been convicted of what authorities describe as 'extremist' offenses. Ten of the pardoned individuals are women, though none of their names were disclosed.
According to BelTA, all 15 had filed petitions requesting clemency, admitted guilt for their actions, expressed remorse, and pledged to lead law-abiding lives going forward.
Part of an ongoing release process
This latest pardon continues a pattern that began in 2025, when Lukashenko started periodically releasing people convicted on political charges. The releases are reportedly tied to an arrangement with the United States, under which sanctions relief is offered in exchange for freeing prisoners. Previous pardons under this process have included prominent opposition figures Viktor Babariko and Maria Kolesnikova, along with numerous others.
Despite these periodic releases, a large number of political prisoners remain behind bars in Belarus. The human rights organization Viasna estimates the current total at more than 800.
