Lukashenko Pardons 15 Political Prisoners Amid Renewed U.S. Pressure
MOSCOW, March 5 – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday pardoned 15 people imprisoned on political charges, his office said, in the latest round of releases that U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Minsk to undertake as contacts between the two sides resume.
Lukashenko’s office said the individuals had been serving sentences for “extremist” offences, a designation frequently applied by Belarusian authorities to political opponents and activists. In addition to the 15 pardoned on political charges, three other prisoners convicted of unspecified crimes were also released, according to the presidential statement.Releases tied to renewed diplomatic outreachThe pardons come as Washington and Minsk have cautiously reopened communication channels after years of strained relations. Trump re-established contact with Lukashenko last year, encouraging the Belarusian leader to free political detainees and take steps that could ease tensions with Western governments.Belarus has long faced criticism from Western countries over its human rights record and political repression. Lukashenko, who has ruled the country for decades, has also been subject to international sanctions imposed over domestic political crackdowns and his support for Russian invasion of Ukraine.The latest pardons are part of a series of prisoner releases that Belarusian authorities have undertaken since diplomatic engagement resumed.Previous prisoner release brokered by U.S. envoyIn December, Trump’s envoy John Coale negotiated the release of 123 detainees following discussions with Lukashenko’s administration. Among those freed were prominent political figures and activists whose imprisonment had drawn international attention.The group included Ales Bialiatski, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, along with opposition leaders Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka, both widely regarded as key figures in Belarus’s opposition movement.
Their release was viewed by Western officials as a significant step in efforts to address concerns about political detentions in Belarus.Sanctions relief linked to diplomatic engagementFollowing the December prisoner releases, the United States moved to remove sanctions on Belarusian potash exports. Potash, a critical component used in fertilizer production, is one of Belarus’s most important export commodities and a significant source of foreign revenue.Washington’s decision was framed as part of a broader effort to encourage further steps by Minsk on political prisoners and human rights issues.Belarusian authorities have not indicated whether additional pardons or policy changes could follow the latest releases.
Lukashenko’s office said only that the individuals had been serving sentences for offences classified under the country’s “extremism” laws.The announcement signals continued, albeit limited, movement in diplomatic contacts between Belarus and the United States after years of near-total estrangement.
