Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has signed a decree pardoning 22 people who previously applied for clemency, according to the state news agency BelTA. Of those pardoned, 20 had been convicted of “extremist” offences. BelTA reported that the individuals admitted guilt, expressed remorse and formally requested a presidential pardon.
The authorities did not disclose any names. The only details provided were that the group includes 15 women and seven men, and that 11 of them have underage children. Minsk said the decision was taken on “humanitarian grounds” and in the interest of the prisoners’ families.
The move follows a series of releases: in December 2025 Belarus freed 123 political prisoners, and in September it released 52 people. According to PAP, these releases were linked to talks involving a US delegation led by President Donald Trump’s special envoy, John Coale.
