On July 3, Lukashenko signed a new “amnesty” law that differs from previous ones by excluding amnesty for those involved in “extremist and terrorist activities.” Despite this, 17 political prisoners have been granted amnesty and pardoned in Belarus following the enactment of the law, as reported by the Viasna Human Rights Center a week ago.
As of January 4, 2024, Belarus held 1,430 political prisoners, with 1,263 men and 167 women currently in detention, the voiceofbelarus.org states.
The Nobel laureates welcomed the recent adoption of the amnesty law and initial steps towards the release of severely ill prisoners in Belarus. However, they urge Lukashenko to demonstrate humanity by freeing all citizens recognized as political prisoners by human rights defenders.
“We urge Alexander Lukashenko to show humanity and compassion by freeing all citizens recognized by human rights defenders as political prisoners,” the Nobel laureates wrote.
“All citizens who have suffered for their views, active civic stance, and protest actions deserve freedom. Among them are journalists, scientists, doctors, workers, public figures, and human rights defenders, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski.”
According to the laureates, implementing a comprehensive political amnesty would symbolize a new stage in Belarusian history. They also added that every person deserves respect for their individuality and the right to their opinion.
"We call on the authorities and their opponents to respect each other's positions and to overcome differences through dialogue and mutual respect," the letter states.
They also express gratitude to international figures like UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Polish President Andrzej Duda, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk for their efforts towards freeing political prisoners in Belarus.
The appeal also calls on opinion leaders, trade unions, journalists, and all people of goodwill to work towards the swift release of citizens who have suffered for their principles.
The
letter was signed by 49 Nobel laureates across all categories, with notable signatories including Belarusian poet Svetlana Alexievich (2015), South Africa’s John Coetzee (Literature, 2003), and several peace prize laureates, including Jody Williams (U.S., 1997, for efforts to ban and clear anti-personnel land mines), Dmitry Muratov (Russia, 2021, for efforts in fighting for freedom of expression), and Oleksandra Matviichuk (Ukraine, 2022, for promoting civil liberties and human rights).
Polish ultimatum
According to Dmitry Bolkunets, analyst, activist, and co-organizer of the Belarus Democratic Forum, the recent release of political prisoners in Belarus was a result of an ultimatum issued by Poland to Lukashenko.
“Poland sent a very clear ultimatum to Lukashenko to release political prisoners, to stop repression, and to stop [weaponizing] migration,” he said.
Bolkunets went on to say sending a letter from Nobel Prize laureates is a strategic move because it appeals to Lukashenko's sense of humanity and mercy, providing him a way to save face while under international pressure.
The analyst sees the current situation in Belarus as a unique opportunity for change. He anticipates that Poland will maintain pressure on Lukashenko to release political prisoners and end repression.
He also pointed out the dire situation of political prisoners in Belarus, noting their isolation and lack of medical care.
The whole interview with Dmitry Bolkunets can be watched below.
