More than 1,000 political prisoners remain in Belarus — Viasna Data
As of the end of 2025, 1,135 political prisoners remain behind bars in Belarus. More than 500 people were granted political prisoner status this year alone, and some of those released were forcibly expelled from the country. This is stated in the annual report of the human rights center Viasna.
As of December 23, 2025, Belarusian places of detention are holding 1,135 political prisoners, including 968 men and 168 women. Human rights defenders stress that behind these dry figures are shattered lives and families who have lived for years in constant fear. The report pays particular attention to the family circumstances of detainees. According to Viasna, 34 political prisoners are in especially difficult situations—single parents, parents of large families, and families where both parents are imprisoned. At least 20 families in Belarus are currently separated by prisons.
In 2025, 509 people were granted political prisoner status, indicating that the repressive machinery continues to operate despite international pressure and public statements by the Belarusian authorities.
At the same time, releases did take place during the year. With the mediation of the United States, 342 political prisoners were pardoned in 2025. In total, since July 2024, 569 people have been released through pardons. However, human rights defenders note that release often does not mean a return to normal life. In 2025, 189 former political prisoners were forcibly expelled from Belarus after being pardoned or suddenly released, effectively banning them from remaining in their own country.
Viasna also reports tragic cases. During the year, two political prisoners—Valentin Shtermer and Andrei Pidnebennyi—died in custody. Human rights defenders emphasize that detention conditions and the lack of adequate medical care remain serious problems.
The Viasna center underscores that the human rights situation in Belarus remains critical, and the number of political prisoners points to the systemic nature of persecution and the absence of real changes in government policy.
