250 political prisoners released
The largest mass release of long-term political prisoners in the history of independent Belarus took place on Thursday.
Dictator Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 250 political prisoners on 19 March, as reported by the Belarusian Human Rights Centre Viasna.
Those released include human rights defenders Marfa Rabkova, who coordinated Viasna’s volunteer network, Valentin Stefanovich, deputy chair of Viasna and vice-president of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), and the founder of the human rights organisation Human Constanta, Nasta Loika. Also free are the Belsat TV journalist Katsiaryna Bakhvalava (Andreyeva) and the blogger Eduard Palchys.
15 of those released people were deported to Lithuania on Thursday, whilst all others remained (for the time being) in Belarus. As part of our emergency aid programme, launched in autumn 2025, we are assisting all former prisoners upon their arrival in exile.
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We organise …
- … accommodation and provide basic care immediately after arrival in exile.
- … medical assistance for health problems suffered while in detention.
- … trauma therapy, individual psychosocial counselling and group activities to strengthen mental health and self-determination.
- … legal assistance with asylum and residence procedures in exile.
Forced into exile from prison
Like hundreds of released political prisoners in the past, those recently freed were also forced to leave Belarus. But settling into exile after deportation and building a new life takes a great deal of energy and resources. Many former prisoners are initially left destitute – without a home, without healthcare, and without legal or psychological support.
Since 2020, thousands of Belarusians have risked their personal freedom to stand up for democracy, human rights and a life of dignity. Many of them paid for their determination with years of imprisonment, and quite a few of them were abused or tortured.
We did not leave these people alone in prison, and we will not leave them alone now when they have been released. Donate now to our emergency fund for released political prisoners!
Purpose: Emergency support Belarus
Background to the recent mass release
On 19 March, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, John Coale, met with Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk to negotiate the release of political prisoners. As a result, Lukashenko pardoned 250 people. In return, the US government lifted sanctions against two Belarusian banks and the Ministry of Finance, as well as two fertiliser manufacturers. Mass releases had already taken place following Coale’s previous visits. Nevertheless, according to Viasna, well over 1,000 political prisoners remain detained in Belarus.