**Belarusian Dictator Frees 23 Political Prisoners**
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko has released 23 people who were convicted of “extremist crimes”. This is the eighth round of pardons since July. The move is seen as an attempt by Lukashenko to improve his popularity before the next presidential election in 2025.
**Conditions of Release Not Revealed**
The names of those released have not been made public. More than half of the people released are over 50 years old, and four have chronic diseases. This round of pardons is part of a larger effort by Lukashenko to improve his image.
**Many More Still Behind Bars**
Since July, over 200 political prisoners have been released in Belarus. However, more than 1,300 remain in prison. The Viasna Human Rights Center says that the number of prisoners has actually increased in recent months.
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