**Belarusian Opposition Leader’s Photos Published**
New photos and a video of Viktar Babaryka, the jailed Belarusian opposition leader, have been published by blogger Raman Pratasevich. This is the first time Babaryka has been seen since February 2023.
**Lukashenko Pardons Prisoners**
The footage was released just weeks after Belarus‘s dictator Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 20 political prisoners in a bid to show goodwill ahead of the presidential election on January 26. Lukashenko has ruled the country since 1994 and is expected to secure his seventh term later this month.
**Babaryka’s Situation**
Viktar Babaryka was held incommunicado after being sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2021 for bribery and tax evasion, which many see as politically motivated. He had intended to run for president in 2020 but was rejected. His human rights group says he has not been seen since February 5, 2023.
**Similar Case**
This is not the first time photos of an imprisoned Belarusian activist have been published after a long period of no communication. Last November, photos of Maria Kalesnikava emerged after over 600 days of silence.
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