Lukashenko releases thousands of prisoners
Belarus' Dictator Lukashenko suppresses his own population, Dissidents are being isolated. Now thousands of inmates are expected to be released. Lukashenko also announced the possible pardon of sick political prisoners. The reason is the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the capital Minsk from the Nazi German occupation in the Second World War.
In Belarus, Dictator Alexander Lukashenko has issued a pardon for inmates. The reason for this is reportedly the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the capital Minsk from the Nazi German occupation in the Second World War with a military parade. The day before, Lukashenko, who is considered the last dictator in Europe and still carries out the death penalty, also announced the possible release of sick political prisoners. However, independent Belarusian media in exile referred to the pardon text, according to which the opponents of Lukashenko may not fall under the amnesty.
On Tuesday, Lukashenko announced that approximately seriously ill political prisoners could be released from prison for humanitarian reasons in the coming days. After the violent suppression of protests in Belarus (formerly White Russia) against the presidential election in 2020, hundreds of opponents of Lukashenko were sentenced to long prison terms.
Lukashenko, who is celebrating his 30-year tenure in office this year, declared himself president again after the election, which was marked by unprecedented manipulation. Many opposition figures fled abroad. The Human Rights Center Viasna last reported the number of seriously ill inmates to be 90; in addition, there are approximately 65 political prisoners over the age of 60 with serious health problems. According to official figures, there were 1409 political prisoners in Belarus as of July 2nd.
According to Viasna, dissidents are still being arrested in the country. The organization accuses Lukashenko's power apparatus of torturing detainees. Several political prisoners have already died in custody. According to the pardon document, approximately pregnant women and minors, single parents with children, and prisoners over the retirement age are to be released. The deputy interior minister Gennadi Kasakevich had previously announced to the Belarusian media that 7850 convicts would fall under the amnesty.
In light of Belarus' celebration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Minsk from Nazi German occupation, Dictator Alexander Lukashenko announced the potential release of sick political prisoners. Despite this, independent Belarusian media in exile raised concerns that opposition figures may not be included in the amnesty.
