Belarus: renewed call to release political prisoners
Belarusian prisoner of conscience and opposition politician Mikalai Statkevich was released from imprisonment Feb. 20 after suffering a stroke in January. Following his release, Amnesty International reiterated the need for justice for victims of human rights violations in Belarus.
Marie Struthers, Amnesty International's Eastern Europe director, stated: "Releasing a prisoner of conscience after he has suffered a stroke is not justice, it is the sign of its profound absence. Belarusian authorities must end the practice of imprisoning activists, journalists, and other government critics for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly." She also highlighted the cases of imprisoned rights defenders Nasta Loika, Marfa Rabkova, Valiantsin Stefanovich and Vital Chopik.
Statkevich was one of 52 Belarusian prisoners released in September 2025 following a deal with the US. Upon their release, Belarusian authorities attempted to deport the 52 former prisoners. While they were being brought to the Lithuanian border, Statkevich forced his way out of the bus, declaring, "I will keep fighting." Statkevich was then reportedly detained by masked men and transported to a penal colony.
Statkevich was serving a 14-year sentence following his arrest in 2020 on charges of "organization of mass unrest," under Article 293(1) of the Criminal Code. In his latest imprisonment since 2020, he was held in isolation for long weeks before suffering a stroke on Jan. 21. The stroke precipitated his release, but Amnesty stressed that being released due to failing health does not constitute justice.
The Belarusian Human Rights Centre Viasna reports that 1,142 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus.
From JURIST, Feb. 22. Used with permission. Internal links added.
Belarus frees 250 political prisoners after talks with US
Belarus has freed 250 political prisoners following sanctions-relief negotiations with the United States, a move human rights organizations cautiously welcomed, while warning that true justice has yet to be served.
President Alexander Lukashenko ordered the mass release on March 19. The decision was the result of direct negotiations with the Trump administration, which agreed to lift specific sanctions targeting Belarusian financial institutions in exchange for the prisoners’ freedom.
US Special Envoy for Belarus John Coale praised the agreement on X (formerly Twitter), describing the release as a "significant milestone" and a clear testament of "direct, hard-stone diplomacy."
However, human rights advocates pointed out the ethical concerns of the deal. Amnesty International responded on March 20, emphasizing that the release of unjustly detained individuals should not be mistaken for systemic reform or accountability. (Jurist)