Rights defenders confirm release of 16 political prisoners

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.”

Washington calls for release of all political prisoners in Belarus

- Society
- Politics
- SocietyBorder guards, riot police arrest drone operator in Hrodna regionThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- SocietyQueue to enter Poland from Belarus exceeds 1,800 vehiclesThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyFirst summer heatwave reaches BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsOpposition leader lauds Sweden’s commitment to democracy in BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsIrregular Belarus-EU crossings on the rise in early JuneThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBelarus’ foreign exchange reserves up 2 percent in MayThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyHeavy rain disrupts public transit in MinskThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityLithuanian army: Russia’s hands full in Ukraine, unlikely to use Zapad-2025 for attackThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SocietyUN experts sound alarm over violations of trade unionists’ rights in BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyBelarusian Railway announces delays for Russia-bound trainsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBelarus to import potatoes from Kyrgyzstan – reportThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBelarusians net sellers of foreign currency in January-MayThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics
- Politics, SecurityCSTO officials discuss preparations for September exercisesThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityBelarusian man arrested in Poland, accused of transporting irregular migrantsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- PoliticsCichanoŭskaja greets Denmark on Constitution DayThe material is available only to POZIRK+