MINSK, Belarus - In a significant diplomatic development, Belarus released 250 political prisoners on Thursday following negotiations with the United States. The release came after US envoy John Coale met with Belarusian leader Aliaksandr Lukashenka in Minsk to push for the prisoners' freedom.
According to reports, the prisoner release was part of a deal in which Washington agreed to ease sanctions on several Belarusian companies. An anonymous US representative confirmed the terms of the agreement.
the release of so-called political prisoners
The meeting between Coale and Lukashenka was documented by Belarusian state media, which showed the two leaders embracing in a government building. Lukashenka was quoted stating they were discussing bilateral relations, including "the release of so-called political prisoners," while noting that Belarus does not officially recognize such a designation.
This release continues a pattern of prisoner exchanges between the two countries in recent months, largely driven by US diplomatic efforts. President Donald Trump has sought improved relations with Belarus since taking office, easing sanctions and including the country in his "Board of Peace" initiative.
According to the Viasna human rights center, there were more than 1,100 political prisoners in Belarusian jails prior to this release, many arrested following the disputed 2020 election that sparked widespread protests. Among those released on Thursday were human rights activists Valentin Stefanovitj, Marfa Rabkova, and Anastasija Lojka.