Belarus president frees six jailed opponents before election

There are no more political prisoners in Belarus. On Saturday, August 22^nd, Lukashenka pardoned all six prisoners, who were recognised by human rights defenders as political prisoners in Belarus: Mikalai Dzyadok, Ihar Alinevich, Yauhen Vaskovich, Artsyom Prakapenka, Yury Rubtsou and ex-presidential candidate in the 2010 elections Mikalai Statkevich. In his first interview after the release, Mikalai Statkevich said, “together we shall make this country sound and free. I was expecting to see the country intimidated. But it is better than before!”