In a move raising eyebrows both domestically and internationally, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 23 political prisoners just days before the country’s presidential election. This latest wave of amnesty continues a series of similar releases over the past six months, fuelling speculation about Lukashenko’s strategic motivations as he seeks to extend his decades-long rule.
Mass Pardons Amid a Climate of Repression
Lukashenko, who has maintained a firm grip on power since 1994, is widely expected to secure yet another term in the upcoming January 26 election—a contest dismissed by critics as nothing more than political theatre. The Belarusian leader’s tenure has been marked by authoritarian rule, particularly his harsh crackdown on mass protests that erupted following the disputed 2020 presidential election.
Rights organisations estimate that more than 1,000 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus, including opposition leaders and activists detained in the aftermath of the contested 2020 vote.
Who Were the Released Prisoners?
State media confirmed that amongst the 23 individuals granted clemency, three were women and 20 were men, all of whom had been convicted of “crimes of an extremist orientation.” However, authorities did not disclose their names, leaving uncertainty about whether any high-profile opposition figures were included. Human rights groups argue that many of these prisoners were detained on politically motivated charges, with harsh prison conditions that include restricted access to legal representation and minimal contact with family members.
A Pattern of Strategic Pardons
The latest releases follow a pattern observed in recent months, with more than 200 individuals freed in a series of pardons since mid-2023. While Lukashenko’s government portrays these amnesties as a sign of leniency, opposition figures and international observers suggest they are part of a calculated effort to ease political tensions and improve his global image ahead of the election.
In a public appearance at a factory last week, Lukashenko downplayed the importance of the electoral process, stating that he saw “no need” for election debates and was largely uninterested in the campaign itself. His comments only reinforced the belief that the election outcome is predetermined, given the lack of credible opposition.
A Tarnished Democratic Process
Since the mass protests of 2020, Belarus has faced sanctions and diplomatic isolation from the West due to its severe repression of dissent. The European Union and the United States have repeatedly condemned the arrests of opposition leaders, as well as the violence against demonstrators demanding fair elections. Lukashenko’s close alliance with Russia, particularly following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has further strained Belarus’ relations with the West, solidifying his reliance on Moscow for political and economic support.
As Belarus approaches yet another election lacking genuine competition, many remain sceptical about the true motives behind Lukashenko’s recent pardons. For his opponents and international observers, the latest mass release appears to be a carefully orchestrated attempt to deflect criticism rather than a genuine step toward political reform.
While the release of 23 prisoners may offer a glimmer of hope to their families, it does little to change the broader political landscape of Belarus, where repression and electoral manipulation remain the norm. As the international community watches closely, Lukashenko’s iron-fisted rule continues, leaving little room for optimism about genuine political change in the near future.
