Skip to Content

Authoritarian Belarus president pardons 37 political prisoners out of more than 1,300

KTVZ

Associated Press

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 37 people serving prison sentences for what his office described as “extremist” crimes. It is the fourth time since July that the authoritarian leader has pardoned dozens of political prisoners in what some observers see as an attempt to soften his image. Lukashenko’s office didn’t identify any of the prisoners pardoned Monday, but said they include six women. Human rights activists say there are over 1,300 political prisoners in Belarus. They include Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and Polish newspaper journalist Andrzej Poczobut, whose release Poland is seeking. At least six political prisoners have died behind bars.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KTVZ NewsChannel 21 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content