Belarus’ Political Repression Continues Despite Vatican-Brokered Prisoner Release

In a carefully orchestrated move following diplomatic talks with the Vatican, Belarus has released two Roman Catholic priests imprisoned under politically charged accusations. Yet behind this apparent gesture lies a continued pattern of repression by President Alexander Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime—a regime that remains hostile to faith-based freedom and political plurality.Why Does Belarus Target Religious Leaders?The release of Rev. Henrykh Akalatovich and Rev. Andrzej Yukhnevich is not a sign of genuine reform but rather a strategic attempt by Minsk to ease international pressure while maintaining tight control over its own people. Akalatovich was convicted of treason based on unsubstantiated claims of...