Łukašenka pardons 22 people convicted of extremism

December 30, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka has pardoned 15 women and seven men, most of whom were imprisoned on extremism-related charges that Belarusian authorities use to persecute political opponents.

They all admitted their guilt and asked the Belarusian ruler for clemency, Pul Pervogo, his press office’s unofficial Telegram channel says.

Earlier this month, Łukašenka freed 123 designated political prisoners, including prominent opposition figures and politicians, after a meeting with John Coale, US special envoy to Belarus.

The Belarusian ruler ordered the release of 342 prisoners—mostly government opponents—this year under agreements with the United States. Since July 2024, a total of 591 prisoners have been released before completing their sentences.