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Belarus Frees 25 Political Prisoners in U.S. Sanctions Deal
Confirmed
In Short: Belarus released 25 political prisoners on Wednesday as part of a deal to lift sanctions on two of its companies, according to U.S. envoy John Coale.
Belarus freed 25 political prisoners on Wednesday as part of a deal to lift sanctions on two of its companies, according to U.S. envoy John Coale. The releases, which included human rights campaigners, political activists, journalists, and lawyers, marked the culmination of negotiations between Coale and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking to reporters in Vilnius, Coale said he expected to return in about a month when he hopes to see 'hundreds' freed. The US would lift sanctions on Lakokraska, a paint and industrial coating manufacturer, and Bellesbumprom, a state-owned industrial enterprise that oversees the forestry, pulp and paper sectors.
The release came a day after Coale promised Lukashenko that US banks would return tens of millions of dollars in frozen Belarusian assets. Christian Wigand, the European Union’s lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, said the 25 prisoners were released as a result of US efforts.
Exiled political opposition leader Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya said she was happy for the relatives of the 25 freed prisoners 'who have been waiting for this day.' However, she noted that hundreds more remain behind bars and that 'every release requires tremendous effort.
What's confirmed
- Belarus freed 25 political prisoners on Wednesday as part of a deal to lift sanctions on two of its companies, according to U.S. envoy John Coale. The releases, which included human rights campaigners, political activists, journalists, and lawyers, marked the culmination of negotiations between Coale and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Speaking to reporters in Vilnius, Coale said he expected to return in about a month when he hopes to see 'hundreds' freed. The US would lift sanctions on Lakokraska, a paint and industrial coating manufacturer, and Bellesbumprom, a state-owned industrial enterprise that oversees the forestry, pulp and paper sectors.
- The release came a day after Coale promised Lukashenko that US banks would return tens of millions of dollars in frozen Belarusian assets. Christian Wigand, the European Union’s lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, said the 25 prisoners were released as a result of US efforts.
- Exiled political opposition leader Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya said she was happy for the relatives of the 25 freed prisoners 'who have been waiting for this day.' However, she noted that hundreds more remain behind bars and that 'every release requires tremendous effort.
What's still developing
- The Progressive Lawyers Association (CHD) confirmed late Wednesday that all 106 had been freed, with most of the releases witnessed by an AFP correspondent.
- The Trump administration said more releases would be secured soon amid improved US-Belarus relations.
- The Belarusian human rights watchdog Viasna, which the government banned after declaring the group an extremist organisation, said many of those released on Wednesday had been sentenced to several years in prison.
- The US envoy praised US President Donald Trump on social media, saying his “commitment to direct diplomacy delivers results” and that the administration would continue to “improve US-Belarus relations”.
- In March, the government of Belarus released 250 prisoners following a pardon.
- Speaking of Belarus, is it time to make good on the promise to hit these repeaters? 😠 Belarus reactivated signal repeaters to assist Russian drone strikes deep into western Ukraine, according to the Border Guard Service.Zelenskyy says these signal repeaters were used to facilitate the recent strike on the Yahodyn border crossing.
- That makes it something of a political victory even if it is militarily insignificant. the armed forces of Ukraine have reentered Luhansk oblast. let that sink in for a moment. this means that russia does not have 100% control of any of the 4 oblasts that he says he wants. pic.twitter.com/f0BNBu6UZC The Russia Sanctions bill is moving through the House.