Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Belarus Frees Two Catholic Priests After Vatican Intercession
Belarus' President Lukashenko freed two Catholic priests, Yukhnevich and Akalatovich, from long jail terms after a Vatican envoy's visit.
The priests were convicted of serious crimes, which they denied.
This move is part of Belarus' efforts to mend ties with the West.
Andrzej Yukhnevich and Henrykh Akalatovich released from prison
Yukhnevich served 13 years for abusing minors, denied charges
Akalatovich served 11 years for treason, denied spying allegations
Pardons follow visit by Vatican envoy Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti
Belarus seeks to improve relations with the West
- Who
- Andrzej Yukhnevich and Henrykh Akalatovich, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Vatican envoy Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti
- What
- Released two Catholic priests from prison
- When
- Following a Vatican envoy's visit in late 2024
- Where
- Belarus
- Why
- To improve relations with the West
Government's Perspective
Human Rights Groups' Perspective
Pardons
Government's Perspective
A sign of mercy and respect for the Pope
Human Rights Groups' Perspective
Long overdue, but a positive step towards improving human rights record
- Sentence Length
- Yukhnevich: 13 years, Akalatovich: 11 years
- Charges
- Yukhnevich: Abusing minors, Akalatovich: Treason
- Denials
- Both priests denied their charges
- Vatican Visit
- Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti's visit in late 2024
- Remaining Political Prisoners
- 1,255, including 29 priests and religious believers