Lukashenko Denies Political Arrests, Says Belarus Has No Political Prisoners

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed rumors that political arrests were carried out following the recent release of other prisoners, the Russian news agency TASS reported.

According to TASS, Lukashenko said such reports were unfounded. The Belarusian leader also stated that Belarus has no political prisoners because the country's legislation does not contain any such legal category, TASS reported.

The report did not provide further details on the specific circumstances of the prisoner release or the context in which the rumors of new arrests emerged. TASS did not cite additional sources beyond the president's remarks.

Belarus has faced international criticism in recent years over its treatment of political opponents and detainees, though authorities in Minsk have consistently rejected characterizations of detentions as politically motivated.