Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned thirty-two people detained for “extremism”, AFP reported, citing a statement from the presidential administration in Minsk.
The accusation of extremism is often used against Lukashenko’s political opponents. This is another case in which he pardoned political prisoners in the run-up to the presidential elections in Belarus, which will be held in January 2025.
In recent months, Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, has repeatedly pardoned those detained for protesting his rule.
Since the beginning of November, 31 prisoners have been released, before that 30 were released in August and another 67 in September.
The identities of the thirty-two pardoned today have not been made public, but the list includes eight women and 24 men, according to the Belarusian presidency. Of these, 27 suffer from chronic diseases, and nine are over 50 years old.
There are still nearly 1,300 political prisoners in Belarus, according to the human rights non-governmental organization “Vyasna”, which is also in the sights of the authorities in Minsk, writes BTA.
Lukashenko, who has ruled for 30 years without interruption, has repeatedly crushed protest movements against his rule. He intends to run for a new term in the elections on January 26, 2025.
Over the past four years, thousands of people have been arrested and opponents, activists and journalists have received heavy sentences. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of Belarusian citizens fled the country, including to neighboring Poland, AFP notes.
What are the implications of Lukashenko’s recent pardons for Belarusian political prisoners?
Time.news Interview: Editor (E) with Expert in Belarusian Politics (X)
E: Good day, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the recent news that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned thirty-two people detained for “extremism.” This is a significant development, especially in the context of Belarusian politics. What does this pardon signify?
X: Thank you for having me. This pardon is a critical moment in Belarusian politics, reflecting the ongoing tension between the government and its opposition. The term “extremism” is frequently used by Lukashenko’s regime to delegitimize political opponents, so this action is undoubtedly layered with meaning.
E: Absolutely. The timing of this pardon is interesting, isn’t it? It comes ahead of significant political events, suggesting a calculated move. What might be the motivation behind it?
X: Yes, the timing is often pivotal in such political maneuvers. With elections and increased international scrutiny on Belarus’s human rights record, this could be an attempt by Lukashenko to soften his image. By releasing these prisoners, he may hope to demonstrate a level of political leniency, perhaps even to gain favor with the international community, which has been critical of his administration.
E: Given that these individuals were labeled as ”extremists,” do you think this pardon will lead to a more open political environment in Belarus?
X: It’s complicated. While pardoning political prisoners might seem like a step towards openness, it’s essential to remember that the regime could be using this as a superficial gesture. Many political opponents remain imprisoned, and the underlying repressive measures have not fundamentally changed. This act could be more of a tactical move than a genuine commitment to political reform or dialogue.
E: So you believe that this is just the surface of a deeper issue?
X: Exactly. The history of political oppression in Belarus runs deep. While forgiveness of these thirty-two individuals might seem like progress, it could also be an attempt to quell unrest or discontent before it escalates. We must watch closely to see if this pardoning will be followed by more meaningful reforms or additional crackdowns on dissent.
E: That’s a sobering perspective. How do you see the response from the international community shaping up? Will they view this as a positive sign?
X: It’s likely that reactions will be mixed. While some will cautiously applaud the move for any release of political prisoners, others will remain skeptical, viewing it as insufficient. The international community, particularly the EU and the US, has been pushing for more comprehensive human rights reforms. They might interpret this as a signal from Lukashenko that he is willing to listen, while others will say it’s too little, too late.
E: Lastly, what should people in Belarus expect moving forward? Will this change the political landscape in any significant way?
X: The landscape remains volatile. If anything, this may momentarily decrease the tensions in some areas, but the fundamental issues—authoritarianism, repression, and lack of political plurality—persist. Activists and the opposition may find some renewed vigor but will continue to face significant challenges. The situation is dynamic, and while this pardon might represent a shift in strategy for Lukashenko, it does not inherently change the repressive nature of his regime.
E: Thank you for your insights today. It’s clear that while this pardon may seem like a hopeful sign, the broader context and ongoing challenges create a complex and precarious situation for Belarus.
X: Thank you for having me. Awareness and dialogue are crucial in navigating these challenging waters.
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This engaging conversation highlights the complexities of the recent pardon while providing insight into the political landscape of Belarus.