Belarusian Prisoners Released Amid US Sanctions Lift
Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including prominent opposition figures, human rights activists, and journalists. This development follows a period of negotiations led by the United States, culminating in a visit to Minsk by US Special Envoy John Coale.
Among those released were protest leader Maria Kolesnikova, banker Viktor Babaryka, who attempted to run for president in 2020, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. These individuals had been imprisoned for their opposition activities against the administration of Alexander Lukashenko, particularly following the mass protests of 2020.
Diplomatic Engagement and Sanctions
The release of prisoners is linked to diplomatic efforts by the United States. During the negotiations, the US lifted sanctions on potash, a key Belarusian export. This move marks renewed engagement between the US and Belarus, though European Union sanctions and policies toward Belarus remain in effect. Belarus is a close ally of Russia and has supported its actions in Ukraine. This US diplomatic effort also coincides with broader US re-engagement with Russia to seek a peace agreement.
Arrivals in Lithuania
A crowd of friends, relatives, and activists gathered outside the US embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania, anticipating the arrival of the freed prisoners. Tatsiana Khomich, Maria Kolesnikova's sister, stated she had spoken with her sister via video call. Kolesnikova, a professional flautist, had been held in isolation for much of her sentence exceeding five years.
Initial arrivals at the US embassy in Vilnius included seven foreign nationals and Ales Bialiatski among the Belarusian detainees.