He has made an unexpected announcement for 2025: Lukashenko issued the first pardon
In a time when political tension in Belarus remains high, discussions and speculations continue regarding the internal state of the regime and its attitude toward opposition forces. The self-proclaimed president of the country, Alexander Lukashenko, took an unexpected step. For the first time in 2025—and in the context of global events—it was quite symbolic—he announced the pardon of 42 political prisoners who had been behind bars for alleged "extremist" articles of the criminal code. According to reports disseminated by Lukashenko's press service, this decision was made "on the eve of Victory Day"—May 9th, which is an important symbolic occasion for demonstrating, on one hand, possible humanity, and on the other, political symbolism. Representatives of official Minsk stated that all convicts, including 18 women and 24 men, sincerely acknowledged their guilt and repented for their actions. This indicates an attempt by the state authorities to present this event as an act of mercy and, at the same time, a heightened political manipulation within the context of national celebrations. Special emphasis is placed on the age and medical status of the convicts: among them are ten individuals over 50 years old, and thirteen have chronic illnesses, highlighting the humanitarian aspects of the decision, which may also carry political connotations. It is important to note that this initiative became the first amnesty case in 2025— the first in a series that, apparently, can be considered part of a period of growing political activity and possibly communicative efforts by the regime amid internal and external challenges. Overall, this event marked the seventh instance of clemency in Lukashenko's regime history since June 2024, when the first steps in this direction were taken in Belarus after a period of relative stagnation. The most recent case in this series was in December of last year, indicating the periodicity and certain political approach connected with the internal dynamics of the country. Regarding criminal justice generally, it is notable that on January 9th, Belarus delivered a verdict in the case of Nikola Khil, an employee of the European Union delegation, who was sentenced to four years in prison for timely activities—raising many questions concerning political tension and the status of international relations. Additionally, at the end of April, Belarusian authorities released an American citizen accused of plotting an assassination attempt on Lukashenko, further emphasizing the tense and complicated political situation in the country. Simultaneously, media outlets are circulating interviews, including one with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who warns of a possible coup d’état in Minsk. In her statements, she emphasizes that internal political forces capable of overthrowing the current regime have intensified their activities, and there are alarming predictions about the mobilization of Belarusians—including those fighting within the Ukrainian Armed Forces—and their potential role in future power transition scenarios. Overall, Lukashenko’s move—his first announcement of the release of political prisoners in a long time—is seen as part of a broader political game, which will influence not only the internal political landscape but also the international arena. On one hand, this gesture aims to improve the regime's image in the eyes of the outside world and domestic audience; on the other, it serves as a reflection of internal tensions and hidden sentiments accumulating within Belarusian society. It is expected that events surrounding the regime will become even more complicated in the coming months, and the pardons might only be the beginning of new challenges for the authorities.