- Statements
Vilnius, Brussels, 24 June
On 21 June 2025, 14 Belarusian political prisoners were released through the mediation of the US administration.
We, the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum and its Belarusian National Platform, welcome this decision and see it as one of the few positive signals in the context of the ongoing repression by the Lukashenka regime.
At the same time, we emphasise:
- This release is not a systemic solution to the problem of political repression. Hundreds of people remain imprisoned solely for exercising their civil and political rights.
- The release must be unconditional. We condemn the practice of forced “requests for pardon”, public repentance, or other forms of moral and psychological pressure.
- Released individuals must be fully rehabilitated and reinstated into civic life without restrictions — including, the annulment of convictions, restoration of the right to practice their profession, participate in elections, and enjoy freedom of movement.
- Civil society and the international community must continue to demand the full release of all political prisoners, an end to repression, and the restoration of the rule of law in Belarus.
We call on:
- The authorities of the Republic of Belarus — to end political repression and release all those imprisoned for their beliefs,
- The European Union, its Member States, and the Eastern Partnership countries — to step up their commitment to the release of all political prisoners currently held behind bars in Belarus,
- International organisations — to continue supporting Belarusian civil society initiatives, journalists, human rights defenders, and the families of political prisoners.
The release of 14 people is only the beginning of a long and difficult path to democracy.
We remain in solidarity with all those who are fighting for freedom, dignity, and human rights in our country.
