Belarus Releases 123 Political Prisoners Following US Sanctions Relief
A total of 123 political prisoners have been released from detention in Belarus. Among those released are prominent opposition figures including protest leader Maria Kolesnikova, banker Viktor Babaryka, who had attempted to run for president in 2020, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, who was serving a 10-year sentence. These individuals had been imprisoned due to their opposition activities against the government of Alexander Lukashenko, whose administration responded to mass protests in 2020.
Negotiations and Sanctions
The release of these prisoners resulted from negotiations led by the United States. These discussions concluded with a two-day visit to Minsk by John Coale, the US special envoy. Concurrently with the prisoner releases, the United States removed sanctions on potash, a significant Belarusian export. European Union penalties and related policies concerning Belarus continue to be in effect. This development takes place as the United States engages with Russia, an ally of Belarus, in diplomatic efforts.
Post-Release Information
Following her release, Maria Kolesnikova made statements expressing happiness regarding her freedom and reunion with others, while also acknowledging those who remain imprisoned. Her sister, Tatsiana Khomich, who had advocated for Kolesnikova's release for over five years, confirmed Kolesnikova's condition after a video call. Kolesnikova, a professional flautist prior to her detention, had spent over five years imprisoned, including periods of isolation.
Many of the released prisoners were expected to arrive in Vilnius, Lithuania. A gathering of individuals, including friends, relatives, and activists, assembled outside the US embassy in Vilnius. Initial arrivals in Lithuania included seven foreign nationals and Ales Bialiatski from the group of Belarusian prisoners.