July 5, Pozirk. The Viasna Human Rights Center says it has information about three women and 13 men who were either pardoned or released under an amnesty program.
One of the released is Ryhor Kastusioŭ, the leader of the outlawed Belarusian Popular Front (BPF), who was diagnosed with cancer in prison. Another one is a mother of four, according to Pozirk.
Rights defenders do not disclose the names of the released to ensure their safety.
Two days ago, Alaksandar Łukašenka announced the release of his critically ill opponents and signed the amnesty law marking the 80th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazis. The law does not apply to prisoners on the extremism register.
Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja welcomed the move, drawing attention to the plight of more than 200 political prisoners from the so-called humanitarian list, whose prolonged detention places their lives under threat.
The United States and the European Union called on Minsk to release all political prisoners.
“We are relieved by the news that they finally reunited with their families and loved ones,” said the EU External Action Service.
“There are still more than 1400 political prisoners in Belarus, including prisoners without any possibility to communicate with those outside for indefinite periods of time, with serious health issues, disabilities, over the age of 60, minors and people with mental illnesses. Some of these detainees require urgent medical assistance and have life threatening conditions.”
