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Belarus Pardon: 22 Prisoners Freed Amid Ongoing Repression

12/30/2025

Summary

Story summary

Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, pardoned 22 prisoners ahead of 2025's New Year, including 20 political prisoners.
The 22 pardoned were convicted under "extremist" laws, with 15 women and seven men.
This is the tenth pardon decree in 2025, releasing 365 people this year.
Belarus still holds over 1,000 political prisoners, and rights groups report ongoing arrests.
The United States has engaged Belarus to seek further releases and easing sanctions.

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Story summary

Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, pardoned 22 prisoners ahead of 2025's New Year, including 20 political prisoners.
The 22 pardoned were convicted under "extremist" laws, with 15 women and seven men.
This is the tenth pardon decree in 2025, releasing 365 people this year.
Belarus still holds over 1,000 political prisoners, and rights groups report ongoing arrests.
The United States has engaged Belarus to seek further releases and easing sanctions.