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Some political prisoners are told upon release that they must leave Belarus within 48 hours, otherwise they will face the opening of a new criminal case, the human rights centre Viasna reports.
Human rights defenders are also receiving information that political prisoners in penal colonies are being summoned for talks and informed about the possibility of a pardon, while at the same time being pressured to leave Belarus. In some cases, those who refuse are threatened with new criminal prosecution.
In early February, human rights defenders reported that political prisoners in colonies were being asked whether they intended to leave the country after their release or remain.