MOSCOW, Nov 20 - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 32 individuals convicted of extremism, as reported by the Pul Pervogo Telegram account. This marks the sixth group of pardons issued this year, with the first occurring in July.
Human rights organizations indicate that over 1,200 detainees classified as political prisoners remain incarcerated, following a crackdown on protests against Lukashenko's election to a sixth term in office. The president is currently campaigning for a seventh term, set for January.
The Interior Ministry announced police drills this week aimed at preventing 'manifestations of extremism and terrorism.' The pardoned group included eight women and 24 men, all of whom had admitted guilt and sought clemency from the president. Among them, 17 individuals had chronic illnesses, one was disabled, nine were over 50, and 17 had children.
Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya expressed mixed feelings on social media, stating that while the news of the pardons brings joy, the reality of ongoing repression and the increasing number of political prisoners remains concerning.
Despite these pardons, several prominent activists continue to be imprisoned, with Maria Kalesnikava recently allowed to meet her father after a year of no contact. Lukashenko's 2020 election victory sparked widespread protests, which were met with significant police action, resulting in approximately 30,000 detentions.