Alexander Lukashenko releases 20 prisoners labeled as extremists
- Twenty individuals described as political prisoners were pardoned by Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus.
- Belarusian officials indicated these individuals had been convicted under charges of extremist crimes.
- The recent pardons come amid increasing repression as the country approaches presidential elections.
In Belarus, on Saturday, December 28, 2024, Alexander Lukashenko announced the pardon of 20 individuals previously jailed for crimes labeled as extremist. This comes as the nation approaches presidential elections scheduled for January 2025, amidst a climate of political oppression. Human rights group Viasna reported that this pardon marks the eighth such announcement since the summer of 2024, bringing the total number of released political prisoners to 207. However, the situation remains dire as more than 1,250 political prisoners continue to languish in Belarusian prisons. Notably, no prominent opposition figures have been included in these recent pardons, raising concerns over ongoing repression. Activists suggest that while some prisoners are being pardoned, others are being jailed, indicating a surge in governmental crackdowns on dissent as the elections draw near.