Łukašenka pardons 15, days before election

January 24, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka has signed an edict to pardon 15 more people, his press office reports.

Three men and five women, including a pregnant one, reportedly committed “extremist” crimes, which usually implies politically-motivated persecution.

The other seven pardoned persons were convicted of drug trafficking. One has been diagnosed with cancer and six committed drug-related offenses when they were minors.

Since July 2024, the Belarusian ruler granted pardons to at least 265 people.

Meanwhile, police continue to arrest people for political reasons, and courts often impose severe sentences in politically-motivated trials, according to rights activists. Repression has intensified in the run-up to the January 21-26 presidential election.

The Belarusian human rights groups have identified 1,247 political prisoners, but the actual number is significantly higher.

Officials deny the existence of political prisoners in Belarus, arguing that its Criminal Code does not contain any “political” articles. The government uses extremism, incitement, disorder and similar charges for political reprisals.

Also read: Łukašenka pardons 23 ahead of election