Opposition Politician Released From Belarusian Prison After Almost Five Years

Opposition politician and former presidential candidate Mikola Statkevich was among six people released from prison in Belarus on August 22, considered political prisoners by rights groups. They were released following a pardon from President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Statkevich was arrested in 2010 following a mass demonstration in the wake of the country’s last presidential election. The next election is due to take place on October 11.

Statkevich was greeted by his wife and supporters following his release, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty