Belarus detains nearly three dozen LGBTQ+ people, mirroring Russia's brutal policies
- Lukashenko announced the pardon of 29 political prisoners amidst claims of growing repression in Belarus.
- Despite this gesture, the number of political prisoners continues to increase, and notable opposition figures remain imprisoned.
- The pardoning showcases a conflicting strategy of repression and limited leniency by Lukashenko's regime, just before the critical 2025 elections.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 29 political prisoners, including 11 women and 18 men, a move that is viewed skeptically by human rights groups. This pardon, announced on Monday, December 9, 2024, comes at a time when Belarus is intensifying its oppression against dissent ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for January 2025. Human rights organization Viasna reports that while pardons have been issued, the number of political prisoners continues to rise, demonstrating the government's inconsistent approach to repression and control. Notably, many of those pardoned were said to have repented for their actions, a stark reminder of the authoritarian nature of the regime which has not freed any prominent opposition figures such as Ales Bialiatski, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, or Viktar Babaryka. Belarus, long criticized for its human rights violations, has reportedly held over 1,289 political prisoners, illustrating an ongoing trend of systemic oppression since mass protests erupted in 2020 after disputed elections. Moreover, the general conditions for political prisoners remain grim, with reports of poor medical care and isolation affecting many detainees in Belarusian prisons. The latest wave of pardons amidst increasing governmental crackdowns raises further questions about Lukashenko's intentions towards the international community regarding human rights while consolidating power ahead of essential elections, reflecting a tense political atmosphere in the country.