Belarus pressures pardoned political prisoners amid ongoing repression

In Belarus, human rights activists have raised concerns about the treatment of political prisoners who were recently pardoned by President Alexander Lukashenko. Over the past three months, 115 activists were released, but they are reportedly facing pressure from authorities to cooperate with the government. This situation arises amidst a backdrop of significant political unrest following the 2020 elections, which were widely regarded as fraudulent. The Viasna human rights center has documented that more than 1,300 political prisoners remain incarcerated, with at least six having died in custody. The pardoned individuals are reportedly being coerced into participating in propaganda efforts and are barred from leaving the country. Reports indicate that some have had their phones compromised with surveillance software, further illustrating the oppressive environment they face. Activists from the BYSOL rights group have condemned these actions, highlighting the threats of re-arrest or harm to family members as tactics used by law enforcement to ensure compliance. The political landscape in Belarus has been tumultuous, with mass protests erupting in 2020 against Lukashenko's regime. Since then, approximately 65,000 people have been arrested, and many have fled the country to escape persecution. The ongoing pressure on pardoned prisoners reflects the government's continued efforts to suppress dissent and maintain control over the narrative surrounding its political actions. This situation underscores the broader human rights crisis in Belarus, where the government’s tactics against former political prisoners reveal a systematic approach to stifle opposition and dissenting voices.