A Political Thaw In Belarus?

Former presidential candidate Andrei Sannikov is greeted by supporters after being released from a prison and arriving in Minsk, April 15, 2012. Photo: Reuters

Belarusian Thaw: Lukashenko Pardons ‘Political Prisoners’ Amid EU Pressure -- Voice of America

Belarus has released a former presidential candidate and his campaign manager from prison, following crippling economic sanctions Western nations slapped on the Minsk government for widespread human rights abuses.

Andrei Sannikov, who challenged authoritarian incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko in 2010 elections, was released late Saturday. His campaign manager Dmitry Bondarenko was freed Sunday. Sannikov was serving a five-year prison term for organizing protests in 2010 against widely-perceived election fraud. Bondarenko was serving a two-year term.

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More News On Belarus Releasing More Political Dissidents

Lukashenko frees dissidents to repair links with EU -- Irish Times
Belarusian thaw: Lukashenko pardons ‘political prisoners’ amid EU pressure -- RT
Belarus president frees jailed opposition leader -- Reuters
Belarus strongman frees critics after EU pressure -- AFP
Belarusian opposition leader, jailed since Dec. 2010 election, released -- Washington Post/AP
Prominent Political Prisoner Is Released Early in Belarus -- New York Times
Belarus Pardons Opposition Activists -- Wall Street Journal
Europeans Welcome Belarusian Political Prisoner Releases, Demand More -- Radio Free Europe
Belarus Frees Opposition Activist from Prison -- RIA Novosti
Belarus releases second opposition leader -- UPI