The pardons included 28 people convicted of extremist crimes, while Belarus still holds 864 political prisoners, according to the Viasna human rights center.
President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 32 prisoners ahead of Belarusian Independence Day, with 28 convicted of "extremist crimes," BelTA reported. Among those freed were 20 women and 12 men.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, Lukashenko has released hundreds of political prisoners in U.S.-mediated deals aimed at improving relations with the West.
Despite these releases, Belarus still holds 864 political prisoners, including 21 journalists, according to Viasna human rights center, while authorities claim those pardoned had petitioned for clemency.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya told The Associated Press the release brings relief to families, but cautioned "we mustn't forget that hundreds of political prisoners remain in Belarusian jails, and all of them must be released.
The Press Service of the Governor of Belarus reported that they had been pardoned by 32 persons, including 28 convicted of "extremist crimes." Svetlana Tihanovska welcomed the release of political prisoners.