Belarus Releases Two Catholic Priests Following Renewed Dialogue with the Holy See

Two Catholic priests imprisoned in Belarus on charges widely described by human rights observers as politically motivated have been released after renewed engagement between Minsk and the Holy See. The development was confirmed by the country’s Conference of Catholic Bishops, marking a significant moment in a tense period for religious communities that have faced pressure and surveillance since the contested 2020 presidential election. The release comes amid speculation about a shift in Belarus’ international posture, with recent diplomatic contact between President Alexander Lukashenko and the United States contributing to the easing of some political detentions. For Catholic leaders, the freeing of the priests represents both pastoral relief and a cautious sign that dialogue may create openings previously unavailable. Yet the circumstances surrounding their cases continue to raise concerns about due process, political coercion and the broader treatment of clergy who have spoken critically of government actions.

Among those released is Fr. Henrykh Akalatovich, who was sentenced in 2023 on treason charges that he consistently rejected as fabricated. His criticism of the government had long drawn scrutiny, and the allegations of espionage were condemned by rights defenders as disproportionate and unsubstantiated. Also freed was Fr. Andrzej Yukhnevich, who had faced a lengthy prison term after a conviction on charges that activists likewise described as politically influenced. Yukhnevich had previously been detained multiple times, including once for displaying a Ukrainian flag online, which authorities interpreted as an expression of dissent. Their release followed an October visit by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, a former Vatican ambassador to Belarus who now oversees matters related to Eastern Catholic communities. His engagement with Belarusian officials underscored the Vatican’s commitment to advocating for persecuted clergy while encouraging channels of communication aimed at protecting religious freedoms. The bishops’ conference expressed hope that such exchanges will help restore stability and safeguard the rights of believers across the country.

In her response, exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the decision but emphasized the need for continued advocacy. She highlighted that many believers remain detained, and that ongoing repression against clergy of multiple denominations continues to reflect broader political constraints. Over recent years, Belarusian authorities have targeted priests and pastors who offered support to protestors or publicly questioned the legitimacy of government actions. Numerous clergy have been jailed, forced into exile or subjected to restrictions intended to curb religious influence on civic movements. Human rights groups report that more than a thousand political prisoners remain incarcerated, including dozens from Christian communities that have historically played significant roles in social and moral discourse. The release of the two priests therefore stands as an isolated improvement within a landscape still marked by coercion and limited civil protections. For Catholic leaders, the moment reflects both the potential of diplomacy and the ongoing work required to ensure that religious life can develop free from intimidation, particularly in regions where political tension continues to overshadow the most basic expressions of faith.