Lukashenko frees political prisoners to woo Western favor

Alexander Lukashenko released another 30 political prisoners who had been charged in connection with organizing protests. According to experts, this is not an act of goodwill by the dictator but a signal to the West.

On Wednesday, the Belarusian government announced the release of 30 political prisoners. The West was among the recipients of this gesture.

Official media in Belarus reported the release on Wednesday. The group includes 23 women and seven men, bringing the total number of prisoners of conscience released in the last two months to 78.

Political scientist Valer Karbalevich, for Radio Svaboda, assesses that Lukashenko wants to gain recognition from Western countries for the results of the 2025 elections. That is why he is sending such small signals to the West.

According to him, by releasing a small number of political prisoners, Lukashenko is trying to "test the waters, probe whether the West is ready to talk, and see the reaction."

Experts believe that the probably 70-year-old Lukashenko is preparing the ground for next year's presidential elections, which he plans to "win" once again.

This demonstration of humanitarianism is also directed towards the Belarusian society. Lukashenko wants to improve his image, to look more humane, assesses Karbalevich, who is convinced that the authorities' decisions are dictated by calculation.

Similarly, analyst Vyacheslav Karastsiyen evaluates Lukashenko's actions on the Pozirk portal. He sees in them even a "trend," although he emphasizes that the releases are small in scale compared to the extent of the repression.

Precisely because the repressions are ongoing, it's not possible to talk about an "attack of humanitarianism." Against the backdrop of some being released, the repression machine methodically grinds down others, writes the commentator.

At the same time, it should be noted that at least 1,400 people are still political prisoners. New arrests and trials are continuously taking place.

Although most names have not been made public, two groups among those released can be identified. Some of them are elderly and seriously ill. There is also a group whose time behind bars was nearing an end.

The release of dozens of people is good news in every respect. However, it does not make the impression on Western politicians that Minsk would have expected. Vyacheslav Karastsiyen emphasized that the West positively evaluates that some prisoners could regain their freedom but still calls for the release of all unjustly convicted.