The Facts
On Monday, the Belarusian government pardoned Roman Protasevich, an opposition activist, who was arrested in 2021 after the government forced his Ryanair overflight to land in Minsk. Protasevich had earlier this month been sentenced to eight years in prison.
Protasevich told reporters on Monday that he had just signed the documents stating that he had been pardoned, according to the country's state-run news agency, BELTA. "This is, of course, great news," he said.
The Spin
Narrative A
Protasevich has clearly been worked on by the security service. After his arrest he was coerced into making confessions and apologetic statements on state TV. His tearful prime-time appearances were the result of abuse, torture, and moral pressure threats suffered in captivity. The pardon is the result of his collaboration.
Narrative B
Protasevich had a fair trial and was rightly found guilty of making public appeals for seizing power, committing acts of terrorism, and slandering the president. It is only through Lukashenko's generosity that he has been granted a pardon, as Protasevich has, in his own words, admitted his mistakes and stated that he can mend his ways.
