Journalist Łuckina, two others released after pardon

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.

At least six political prisoners pardoned in last few days – rights group
- SportUkraine pushes to ban two Belarusian neutral athletes from competitionsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyDead Nazi collaborator on trial at Supreme CourtThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBiełstat: Belarusian companies’ CapEx up 31 percent in January-SeptemberThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityGeneral Staff chief pledges to expand military ties with VietnamThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyFarm official suspected of taking bribes from foreignerThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SecurityGeneral Staff chief off to VietnamThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, PoliticsŁukašenka gave Mašenski’s company preferential treatment in dealings with Biełšyna, says BelPolThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsBiełaja Ruś party signs cooperation roadmap with Cuban communistsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SecurityIrregular migration from Belarus to EU up 20 percent year-on-yearThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBiełarusnafta announces uninterrupted fuel deliveries to gas stationsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsBelarus opposition prepares for post-Łukašenka power struggleThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SecurityPolish border guards find tunnel under Belarusian borderThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsReprisals: arrests, interrogations at Belarusian border continueThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics
- PoliticsBelarus adds 23 to extremist listThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsLithuania temporarily reinstates protection for CichanoŭskajaThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityLithuania designates 26 airspace areas for potential flight restrictionsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SocietySupreme Court finds man who died in 1997 guilty of genocideThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics“Our goal is to make the European perspective realistic,” Cichanoŭskaja tells envoysThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsUCP leader Kazłoŭ leaves BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+