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Belarusian Authorities Release Two Catholic Priests After Vatican Intervention
Two Roman Catholic priests imprisoned on charges that human rights officials deemed politically motivated were released from prison Thursday following diplomatic discussions between Belarus and the Vatican, according to the Conference of Catholic Bishops in Belarus.
The Rev. Henrykh Akalatovich, who had been sentenced to 11 years on treason charges in 2023, was freed after serving two years. The 65-year-old priest had been accused of spying for Poland and the Vatican, allegations he consistently denied, describing them as based on “lies, threats, and blackmail.” His arrest marked the first instance of politically driven charges against Roman Catholic clergy in Belarus since the country gained independence following the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.
Also released was the Rev. Andrzej Yukhnevich, who had been serving a 13-year sentence after a conviction on child molestation charges in April. Human rights activists maintain that Yukhnevich, who had denied the accusations, was originally detained for “political reasons.” Reports indicate he had been detained four times previously, including for posting a Ukrainian flag on social media.
The priests’ release comes amid signs of potentially thawing relations between Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime and Western powers. A phone call between Lukashenko and U.S. President Donald Trump in August had already led to the release of some political prisoners, and this latest development suggests continued diplomatic movement.
The Conference of Catholic Bishops in Belarus confirmed that the priests’ release followed an October visit to Belarus by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, a papal envoy and former Vatican ambassador to the country who now heads the Holy See office overseeing eastern rite Catholics. The bishops expressed welcome for “the resumption of dialogue between Belarus and the United States, and the strengthening of contacts with the Vatican.”
The current whereabouts of the released priests remain unknown. Following a pattern established with previous political prisoner releases this year, dozens of freed individuals were taken directly to neighboring Lithuania, often without their passports or documentation.
Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the news while emphasizing that many religious figures remain imprisoned. “My deepest gratitude to Pope Leo XIV and the Holy See for their principled support,” she stated. “Many other believers remain behind bars. Repression must end — no one should be punished for their faith.”
The imprisonment of Akalatovich and Yukhnevich reflects the broader crackdown on religious figures in Belarus following the disputed 2020 presidential election that kept Lukashenko in power. That election, widely considered fraudulent by international observers, sparked mass protests that were met with brutal police repression. More than 65,000 people were arrested and thousands were beaten by police during the government’s response to demonstrations.
Clergy who supported the protests or sheltered demonstrators in their churches became particular targets of government repression. Belarusian authorities have systematically attempted to bring religious leaders into line through “preventive” political talks, monitoring of online activities, and surveillance of sermons by security services.
According to the Viasna human rights group, more than 1,200 political prisoners remain behind bars in Belarus, including 29 priests and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. The ongoing imprisonment of these individuals underscores the continued tensions between Lukashenko’s regime and civil society despite these limited diplomatic openings.
Belarus has a predominantly Orthodox Christian population at around 80%, while Catholics represent just under 14% of citizens and Protestants account for approximately 2%. The targeting of clergy across denominations highlights the government’s determination to suppress dissent regardless of religious affiliation.
The release of the two priests, while a positive development, represents only a small step in addressing the broader human rights concerns that continue to plague Belarus under Lukashenko’s 30-year rule.
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10 Comments
The release of the two Catholic priests in Belarus is a positive development, but the broader context of religious repression in the country remains concerning. Continued international monitoring and pressure will be crucial to safeguard the rights of all faiths.
Agreed. While this is a welcome outcome, the fact that these priests were targeted in the first place is deeply troubling. Belarus must do more to uphold religious freedoms and the rule of law.
The release of the Catholic priests in Belarus is a welcome development, but the broader context of religious repression in the country remains worrying. Continued international pressure will be crucial to protect the rights of all faiths.
Absolutely. Belarus must ensure that all of its citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation, can practice their faith freely and without fear of persecution.
While it’s good that the two Catholic priests have been freed, the reports of politically-motivated charges and previous detentions for one of them are very concerning. Belarus needs to uphold religious freedoms and the rule of law.
The release of the two priests after talks with the Vatican is a positive sign, though the circumstances around their initial imprisonment are still unclear. Continued diplomatic pressure may be needed to ensure religious minorities are protected in Belarus.
Agreed. The fact that these priests were targeted for their religious affiliations is quite troubling. Ongoing monitoring and advocacy will be important to prevent such abuses in the future.
This is an important step, but the initial arrests and charges against these priests raise serious questions about the state of religious freedom in Belarus. Ongoing diplomatic efforts will be needed to address systemic issues and protect minority faiths.
This is an interesting development in Belarus, where religious freedoms have often been restricted. It’s good to see the Vatican intervening to secure the release of these two Catholic priests, though the details around their arrests and charges remain concerning.
Yes, the allegations of politically-motivated charges are worrying. Hopefully this represents a step toward greater religious tolerance and respect for human rights in Belarus.