Viasna: at least 16 political prisoners pardoned

August 21, Pozirk. At least 16 political prisoners have been released under the pardon program signed by Alaksandar Łukašenka five days ago and covering convicts in politically-motivated cases, the Viasna Human Rights Center reports.
Belarusian state-run television reported the names of Tamara Karavaj, Kaciaryna Leŭ, Natalla Piatrovič and Śviatłana Pałuektava in addition to Vasil Bieraśnieŭ, Ksienija Łuckina, Iryna Sankoŭskaja, Volha Novikava, Ała Zujeva and Volha Stabroŭskaja.
Rights defenders do not disclose the names of other released prisoners for safety reasons.
Karavaj and Leŭ were serving two-year prison terms on charges of defaming Łukašenka and insulting officials, respectively.
Piatrovič, 69, was serving a six-year prison term. Authorities convicted her of calling for sanctions, insulting officials and Łukašenka, inciting hatred and association with an extremist group.
Pałuektava was given two and a half years in prison on protest-related charges.
Journalist Łuckina, two others released after pardon
- EconomyOnly Brest and Hrodna regions report GDP growth in JanuaryThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityLithuania complains to ICAO about balloon incursions from BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Society, SportUkrainian officials to boycott Paralympic Games after Belarus, Russia allowed to display national flagsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Society
- PoliticsCichanoŭskaja warns governments against “normalizing” Łukašenka regimeThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Society, SportBelarusian freestyle skiers fail to earn Olympic medals for the first time since 1998The material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyBelarus moves to ban “propaganda” of narcotic drugsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, PoliticsLithuania allocates additional €800,000 for legal dispute with BiełaruśkalijThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyAbout 3,700 Belarusians hold Georgia’s residence permitsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsUkraine's FM: Belarusians deserve European future after liberation from ŁukašenkaThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyFood price growth in Hrodna region outpaces Minsk – official dataThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- Society
- PoliticsOpposition leader hails Ukraine’s sanctions on Łukašenka as timely moveThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, Security, SocietyAir smuggling from Belarus keeps affecting Vilnius Airport operationsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, Security
- Politics, SocietyTransition cabinet to step up assistance to exiled BelarusiansThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, Society, SportFour Belarusian athletes to compete at 2026 Paralympics without restrictionsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics
- EconomyAuthorities pinning hopes on diversification, demand to meet this year’s export targetThe material is available only to POZIRK+



