Lukashenko releases two priests from prison after talks with Vatican

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has released two Roman Catholic priests, Henrykha Akalatovich and Andrzej Juchnevich. He made this as a gesture of mercy after diplomatic negotiations with the Vatican.

Akalatovich was serving an eleven-year sentence for treason, accused of spying for Poland and the Vatican. According to the Viasna organization, he was arrested in 2023 shortly after undergoing stomach surgery for cancer.

Juchnevich was sentenced to thirteen years this year for abusing minors, but he has denied the charges. He had previously been arrested four times, including for posting the Ukrainian flag on his social media account.

According to the Belta news agency, the pardon followed intensified communication with the Vatican, personified by a visit by the papal envoy, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti. The move is part of a wider effort by Lukashenko to improve relations with the West, especially after years of sanctions for repression and support for Russia.

He has released a number of prisoners since the summer of 2024, and the United States has appointed a special envoy for Belarus to negotiate further releases. However, there are still 1,255 political prisoners behind bars in the country, including 29 priests and other religious believers.

(reuters, max)