Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has initiated a series of pardons, releasing 25 individuals convicted of "extremist crimes" on September 16, 2025. This follows an earlier release of 52 prisoners on September 11, 2025, actions widely seen as a strategic move to improve relations with the United States.
While these gestures are noted as positive steps, human rights organizations emphasize that over 1,000 political prisoners continue to be held in Belarusian facilities, with the Viasna Human Rights Centre estimating approximately 1,300 individuals remain incarcerated. The recent pardons, which included 12 women and 13 men, many under the age of 40, saw all individuals reportedly admitting guilt and expressing remorse, according to the Belarusian state news agency BelTA.
This development is part of a broader effort by Belarus to recalibrate its international standing, particularly with the U.S. The earlier release of 52 prisoners, including 14 foreign nationals, was a direct result of negotiations with U.S. officials. In response, the United States has lifted sanctions on Belavia, Belarus's state airline, and is considering the reopening of its embassy in Minsk, signaling a potential thaw in diplomatic relations.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda acknowledged the significance of the prisoner releases, stating that the freed individuals could finally leave behind their confinement and fear. He also extended gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his instrumental role in facilitating these releases. However, Nausėda echoed the concerns of human rights groups, highlighting that the struggle for the freedom of the remaining political prisoners is far from over.
The term "extremist crimes" in Belarus has been broadly defined, encompassing actions such as disseminating deliberately false information that discredits the nation, insulting government officials, and calls for unauthorized assemblies. Amendments to the Criminal Code have expanded this definition, allowing for citizenship to be revoked for offenses committed prior to these changes. The broad application of these anti-extremist laws has led to thousands facing criminal prosecution for political reasons since 2020, with many subjected to torture and ill-treatment.
The economic landscape of Belarus has been significantly impacted by Western sanctions, particularly following its cooperation with Russia's actions in Ukraine. These sanctions have led to a contraction in industrial production and strained supply chains. The lifting of sanctions on Belavia, while a positive step for the airline, has drawn criticism from some who fear it could create loopholes for circumventing broader sanctions without systemic changes in Belarus's human rights practices. The Viasna Human Rights Centre itself has faced significant pressure, with its online resources declared extremist and its leaders facing lengthy prison sentences for their human rights advocacy.
These developments underscore a complex interplay between diplomatic overtures and persistent human rights challenges. While the Belarusian government's actions represent a step towards international engagement, the ongoing incarceration of a substantial number of political prisoners remains a critical concern for the international community, which continues to advocate for the release of all those detained for political reasons and for the upholding of fundamental human rights and democratic principles in Belarus.