Story perspectives

Belarus Pardons 15 Political Prisoners Amid U.S. Pressure

3/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

On March 5, 2026, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 15 individuals imprisoned on political charges, following U.S. President Donald Trump's calls for such actions.
The pardoned individuals were serving sentences for "extremist" offenses, often used against political opponents.
This release comes after 123 prisoners were pardoned in December 2025, facilitated by Trump's envoy.
Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the pardons but noted that over 1,100 political prisoners remain incarcerated.
Belarusian authorities confirmed that 11 women were among those pardoned, but did not disclose their names.

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Story summary

On March 5, 2026, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 15 individuals imprisoned on political charges, following U.S. President Donald Trump's calls for such actions.
The pardoned individuals were serving sentences for "extremist" offenses, often used against political opponents.
This release comes after 123 prisoners were pardoned in December 2025, facilitated by Trump's envoy.
Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the pardons but noted that over 1,100 political prisoners remain incarcerated.
Belarusian authorities confirmed that 11 women were among those pardoned, but did not disclose their names.