August 20, Pozirk. The state-controlled Belarus 1 television channel has reported the release of journalist Ksienija Łuckina, who was serving an eight-year prison service in connection with her work.
Iryna Sankoŭskaja and Volha Novikava, two other inmates designated by human rights groups as political prisoners, have also been freed.
Łuckina worked for a state broadcaster until August 2020, but resigned in protest against police brutality and fraud after the disputed presidential election.
She was a member of the opposition Coordination Council for Political Crisis Settlement. Her activity in the council might be the reason why a judge found her guilty in September 2022 of conspiracy to overthrow the government.
The Prosecutor General’s Office accused her of involvement in creating a public Belarusian interactive television, allegedly aimed at distorting “real facts,” stirring up protest activities and forming negative opinions about the government.
Novikava was sentenced to an unknown term in 2022 on a violent disorder charge. Human rights activists designated her as a political prisoner. Her husband Viktar Novikaŭ, a national of Uzbekistan, was pardoned and released in July.
Sankoŭskaja was convicted in December 2023 of desecrating state symbols, insulting the head of state and an official.
She was sentenced to 18 months in prison and declared a political prisoner.
Alaksandar Łukašenka signed an edict on August 16 to pardon 14 women and 16 men convicted of “protest-oriented” crimes.
They include seriously ill and retired people, Łukašenka’s press office reported.
