Tsikhanouskaya on the Release of 28 Political Prisoners: “Hundreds Still Remain in Belarusian Prisons”

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commented on the latest “pardon” of political prisoners in Belarus, reminding the public of those who remain behind bars.

“The news of the release of 28 political prisoners is, above all, a relief for their families — for those who were separated from their loved ones and lived in hope of the moment they would be reunited. At the same time, we must not forget that hundreds of political prisoners remain in Belarusian prisons, and all of them must be released. We are waiting for every one of them to come home,” she said.

Earlier, it was reported that Aliaksandr Lukashenka had signed a decree pardoning 32 people, including 28 convicted of what the authorities describe as “extremist offences.” Those pardoned include 20 women and 12 men. Lukashenka’s press service said the “decision was made on the basis of the principle of humanity” and that all those pardoned had “petitioned for clemency, admitting their guilt and expressing remorse.”