Lukashenko pardons former opposition journalist detained in Belarus

“I have just signed the documents certifying that I have been pardoned,” Protasevich told state news agency Belta.

Protasevich, 28, was editor-in-chief of the opposition outlet Nexta, which played an important role in anti-government protests in 2020.

The opponent was detained on May 23, 2021, when the Ryanair flight between Greece and Lithuania, on which he was traveling, was intercepted by a Belarusian fighter. The event sparked international outrage.

“I am very grateful to the country and, of course, personally to the president for this decision,” he said in a video released by Belta.

Protasevich's companion, Russian citizen Sofia Sapega, who was on the same flight, was sentenced to six years in prison. Negotiations are underway between Belarus and Moscow for her to be transferred and serve her sentence in her country.

Nexta played a key role in the August 2020 protests against Lukashenko's re-election, marred by accusations of fraud. This close ally of Moscow has been in power since 1994.

During the mobilizations, the platform called for demonstrations and released images of police repression. Authorities banned the vehicle, which was classified as a “terrorist organization” by Belarusian justice.

After his arrest, Protasevich agreed to cooperate with the investigation against himself and said he was sorry, according to videos broadcast on Belarusian public television. The opposition claims that the material was recorded “under duress”.

Protasevich was accused of making public calls for the “seizure of power”, committing “acts of terrorism” and insulting the head of state. In early May, he was sentenced to eight years in prison.

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