Belarus freed 250 prisoners, including a Belsat TV journalist, following a diplomatic push by the US, which in turn eased some sanctions against Minsk.
US Envoy Calls Release a ‘Humanitarian Gesture’
US President Donald Trump’s envoy, John Coale, announced the release of 250 prisoners, describing it as a “significant humanitarian gesture” and evidence of a positive approach to “direct, tough diplomacy.” He also thanked Lithuania for its role in the operation. The US Embassy in Lithuania reported that 235 individuals were released in Belarus, with 15 others deported.
Coale also stated that the United States would lift some sanctions against Belarusian institutions and firms, including Belinvestbank, the Development Bank, and the Ministry of Finance. Sanctions against the Belarusian Potash Company and Belaruskali would also be lifted, as part of ongoing negotiations between Washington and Minsk.
Andrejewa Freed, Poczobut Remains Imprisoned
According to the Nasza Niwa portal, Katsiaryna Andrejewa, a journalist for Belsat TV, was among those released. However, Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist and activist of the Polish Association in Belarus, sentenced to eight years in a penal colony, was not on the list. Other released prisoners include Mikita Zalatarou, sentenced at age 16 to five years in a correctional facility, Siarhej Maushuk, and anarchist Pavel Shpyotny.
Polish MFA: A Step in the Right Direction
Polish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maciej Wewiór stated that the ministry welcomed the release of a large group of prisoners and that almost all remained in their homeland. He called it “a step in the right direction,” praising the efforts of both the American and Belarusian sides during the talks.
Belarusian Opposition Cautions Against Trust
Belarusian opposition figure Pavel Latushka thanked the US for its efforts to secure the release of political prisoners but urged continued pressure on Minsk. He emphasized the need to secure the release of Andrzej Poczobut, a prominent representative of the Polish minority in Belarus. Latushka accused Lukashenko of “trading people like commodities” in exchange for sanctions relief, asserting that the US retains leverage to demand the release of all political prisoners.
Over 1,100 Political Prisoners Remain in Belarus
This recent release follows several others in recent months. Lukashenko signed a decree pardoning 18 individuals, including 15 political prisoners, on March 5th. Mikalai Statkevich was released on February 19th. With US diplomatic involvement, several groups of political prisoners were released last year, including 123 individuals – Ales Bialiatski, Viktar Babaryka, and Maryja Kalesnikava – in December. Human rights center Viasna reports that 1,134 political prisoners remain in Belarus, though Latushka notes the actual number may be difficult to ascertain due to closed trials and delayed information.
Serhij Danylov, deputy director of the Ukrainian Center for Middle Eastern Studies, noted a shift in Arab perceptions of Ukraine’s role in the region.
Lukashenko Denies Holding ‘Political Prisoners’
In an official statement following a meeting with American representatives, Lukashenko referenced the US-Iran conflict, stating, “You are fighting with our friends, and I am ready to speak openly about this.” He then addressed the prisoner release, reiterating his stance that Belarus does not have “political prisoners” in its criminal code, only individuals who have broken the law. He claimed a basic agreement had been reached with the US side.
