COPENHAGEN, 14 December 2025 — OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pere Joan Pons (Spain), welcomed the release of a number of political prisoners in Belarus, describing it as an important humanitarian step and a positive development for those unjustly deprived of their liberty.
“The release of political prisoners is a long-overdue and deeply welcome decision,” said President Pons. “It brings relief to the individuals concerned and to their families, and it responds to consistent calls by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the wider international community to end the persecution of people for exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms.”
President Pons also commended the diplomatic efforts that contributed to this outcome, including the engagement of the United States noting the importance of sustained international dialogue in achieving tangible results.
“At a time of heightened tensions and profound divisions, this development demonstrates that principled diplomacy and international engagement can help deliver concrete positive developments,” the President said.
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The President underlined, however, that this step should not be seen as an end in itself.
“While today’s releases represent a meaningful gesture, many individuals remain detained for political reasons in Belarus,” Pons stressed. “The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly reiterates its call for the unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners, an end to repression, and full respect for the commitments Belarus has undertaken as a participating State of the OSCE.”
President Pons reaffirmed the OSCE PA’s readiness to support efforts aimed at improving the human rights situation in Belarus and encouraged further confidence-building steps that could pave the way for genuine dialogue and adherence to OSCE principles, including respect for democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms.
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly