The initiative Dissidentby has commented on reports circulating in the media about alleged restrictions imposed on pardoned political prisoners who remain in Belarus. Earlier, there were claims that they were being banned from opening bank accounts and obtaining mobile SIM cards.
“We ask that unverified information not be spread, as people have only just been released from colonies and have not yet been registered,” the human rights defenders said.
They explained that registration with authorities is standard practice for all former political prisoners in the country. A ban on opening bank accounts applies to individuals included in the “terrorist list.” At the same time, almost all political prisoners are placed on the “extremist list,” and in some cases also on the “terrorist list.” Dissidentby stressed that conclusions about additional legal restrictions can only be made after analysing the real situation.
At the same time, the group outlined three confirmed facts. Upon release, individuals are warned about possible imprisonment for “repeat violations.” Some were given only their passports upon release, and it remains unclear whether they will later receive official release certificates. These certificates reportedly state:
“Released under the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus of March 19, 2026 ‘On the Pardon of Convicted Persons,’ released from the main punishment with the possibility of remaining in the Republic of Belarus.”
