Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko has released from prison six opposition leaders, considered as the last political prisoners in this ex-Soviet state which holds a presidential election in October, the presidency announced Saturday.

Among the six opponents is Mikola Statkevich, a former presidential candidate imprisoned since 2010, the statement said.

Statkevich's wife confirmed to AFP that he had been freed and was expected to arrive Saturday evening in the capital Minsk.