Belarus Pardons 30 Political Prisoners Amid Ongoing Crackdown

President Lukashenko's regime continues to face criticism over human rights abuses and the detention of nearly 1,400 political prisoners.

The pardoned individuals include 14 women and 16 men, some elderly or gravely ill.
Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya calls the move a small but important step.
Rights group Viasna estimates around 1,400 political prisoners remain in Belarus.
Lukashenko's government has been accused of brutal repression since the 2020 presidential election.
The pardons come after a similar release of 18 prisoners in July, including a prominent opposition leader.