Belarus Frees 52 Political Prisoners in Exchange for US Sanctions Relief on Belavia
Belarus freed 52 political prisoners, including prominent figures, for US sanctions relief on Belavia, seeking improved relations and economic ties, despite many critics remaining jailed.
U.S. lifts some sanctions on Belarus, plans to reopen embassy
World News Group
Overview
- Belarus released 52 political prisoners, including prominent figures like Vladimir Matskevich, Igor Losik, and Mikola Statkevich, along with 14 foreigners, who subsequently crossed into Lithuania.
- The release was a direct result of a deal where the US agreed to ease sanctions on Belavia, Belarus's national airline, following meetings with US officials.
- Belarusian President Lukashenko initiated the prisoner release as a humanitarian gesture, aiming to improve relations and foster economic ties with the United States.
- President Trump had directly appealed to President Lukashenko for the detainees' freedom, with Lithuanian President Nauseda expressing gratitude for US involvement in securing the release.
- Over 1,000 political prisoners, including prominent critics like Maria Kolesnikova and Ales Bialiatski, remain incarcerated under President Lukashenko's authoritarian rule, despite the recent releases.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by portraying the prisoner release as a transactional deal with an "authoritarian leader," rather than a genuine humanitarian act. They emphasize the continued repression, highlighting the many political prisoners still jailed and Lukashenko's history of "brutally" quashing dissent, while linking Belarus to Russia's aggressive actions.
"The 52 prisoners pardoned on Thursday join 314 others released since July 2023 in an attempt to soften Belarus's relationship with the EU and the US, according to Human Rights Watch."
BBC News"Belarus has freed 52 prisoners of various nationalities and they are now on their way to Lithuania with the U.S. delegation that negotiated their release."
USA TODAY"Belarus has freed 52 prisoners, and they have crossed into Lithuania, the Lithuanian president said Thursday."
ABC NewsArticles (6)
FAQ
The prominent political prisoners released include Vladimir Matskevich, Igor Losik, Mikola Statkevich, and an EU diplomat, among others.
The release was part of a deal where the US agreed to ease sanctions on Belavia, Belarus's national airline, following meetings with US officials, as a humanitarian gesture to improve relations and foster economic ties with the US.
Yes, at least eight journalists who had been unjustly detained for years, including Iryna Slaunikava, were freed during this release.
Over 1,000 political prisoners, including prominent critics like Maria Kolesnikova and Ales Bialiatski, remain incarcerated under President Lukashenko's rule.
US President Trump directly appealed to President Lukashenko for the prisoners' freedom, and Lithuanian President Nauseda expressed gratitude for US involvement in securing their release.
History
- 5d
3 articles