Freedom for all political prisoners in Belarus!
We, the undersigned, are concerned that, amid the current global situation, the plight of political prisoners in Belarus may slip out of the public eye. Meanwhile, the catastrophic situation of approximately 1,200 political prisoners requires immediate intervention.
We applaud the commencement of the release process in 2024 and urge the Belarusian authorities to continue and expand it, guaranteeing the freedom of all individuals imprisoned for political motives. We also call on democratic politicians to use all available tools and mechanisms to facilitate the release, including through diplomatic initiatives and humanitarian negotiations.
The release of political prisoners is not only a matter of justice but also a demonstration of humanity. For those released, it means the end of unspeakable suffering, a return to their loved ones, and, in some cases, even a salvation from the looming death in captivity.
Releases are necessary
As of March 2025, more than 2,600 political prisoners in Belarus have completed their sentences and been released, while around 1,200 remain imprisoned for political reasons, some for as long as five years. At least 8 people have died in detention due to inhumane conditions. Over 200 prisoners belong to vulnerable groups, with dozens in critical condition.
Reports from human rights organizations and harrowing testimonies from hundreds of former political prisoners depict a grim picture of extreme conditions and deliberate repression: some prisoners have had no contact with their families or lawyers for more than two years; medical care is often withheld even in emergencies; and in dozens of cases, sentences have been arbitrarily prolonged. Every additional day in captivity presents an immediate threat to the life and health of the detainees.
Releases are possible
Since 2024, a number of pardons and prisoner exchanges have taken place—this process continued into 2025. In total, over 300 political prisoners have been freed before completing their sentences. This proves that paths to the release of political prisoners exist!
We are convinced that the release of all those imprisoned for political reasons is possible. Now is the time to consider and systematically implement all available means to facilitate their release, including humanitarian negotiations and diplomatic initiatives.
Releases need broad support
For all these years, many people have been working to turn the release of political prisoners into a reality, including former prisoners, relatives of political detainees, human rights organizations, activists, and experts. However, for further progress, active support from the international democratic community, media, and politicians is essential.
In Belarus, there is public backing for the release of political prisoners: many citizens are convinced of their innocence and deem it necessary to free them, particularly those in the most vulnerable circumstances. Even among those who support the current government, the opinion that those convicted for political reasons can be released is widespread.
Our appeal to the Belarusian authorities and democratic governments
We believe that the release of all political prisoners is not only achievable but essential. This is not only a humanitarian duty but also a vital step toward overcoming the deepening crisis in Belarus.
We call on:
- The Belarusian authorities—to continue and expand the release process, end discriminatory measures against political prisoners in detention, particularly in response to efforts advocating for their release, and ensure broad access for international observers to detainees. The release of political prisoners should not be conditional upon fulfilling humiliating terms but should, on the contrary, be accompanied by the restoration of their rights. The release of political prisoners should not be followed by continued politically motivated repression.
- Democratic governments—to make the release of political prisoners a priority, engage with the Belarusian authorities on humanitarian issues related to their release, and take all available diplomatic and humanitarian measures to achieve this goal.
- All parties—to explore possible paths for initiating a genuine dialogue on the release of prisoners.
Time is running out. Every day spent in detention worsens the physical and psychological health of political prisoners. Saving lives requires decisive action.
Our core values
- People first
Our main priority is saving lives. Political prisoners must return home alive, not die in prisons. Their families, children, and friends are waiting for them. Every day of waiting brings pain and fear for their fate. Immediate actions for their release should outweigh short-term political objectives. - Do no harm to political prisoners
In advocacy and communication efforts, it is crucial to act responsibly and avoid steps that could worsen the situation of political prisoners. - No compromises without release
Any steps toward the Belarusian authorities must be tied to real and measurable humanitarian changes—first and foremost, the release of political prisoners and the easing of repressive measures. Western politicians should not give up their leverage without meaningful humanitarian steps in return. - Constructive dialogue and long-term strategy
Negotiations should be an integral part of a long-term strategy aimed at achieving tangible results. Direct communication between political and diplomatic structures is essential for building a minimum level of trust, without which overcoming the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Belarus is not possible. - Immediate, step-by-step actions to address the humanitarian crisis
The release process for political prisoners has already started, but it should not be limited to isolated instances of pardons. It must become the focus of real negotiations. The rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape clearly indicates the urgent need for decisive action. The time has come for systematic steps that will result in the release of all political prisoners in Belarus.
Sign the manifesto! By signing this manifesto, you endorse concrete actions for the release of political prisoners in Belarus.
The time for release is now.
FreeBelarusPrisoners Association of Relatives of Political Prisoners and Former Political Prisoners;
May 21 Foundation;
Viasna;
Legal Initiative;
Belarusian Helsinki Committee;
PEN Belarus;
Human Constanta;
Respect-Protect-Fulfill;
Belarusian Association of Journalists;
Lawtrend;
Office for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;
politzek.me;
Physicians for Truth and Justice;
TaskforceBelarus;
Free Belarus Center.
