"Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ordered the release of 250 political prisoners on Thursday in exchange for easing sanctions from Washington, according to the US embassy in nearby Lithuania. It is reportedly the largest one-time release of its kind so far, as Belarus is ramping up efforts to normalize ties with the United States."
"Coale celebrated the decision as a 'significant humanitarian milestone' and told reporters that the United States would lift sanctions on two Belarusian state banks and the country's finance ministry, as well as top Belarusian potash producers."
"Prior to Thursday's decision, Belarusian human rights organization Viasna said that over 1,100 political prisoners were held in the country. Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya reacted positively to the latest release as 'a moment of great relief and hope' and thanked the Trump administration."
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ordered the release of 250 political prisoners on Thursday following a meeting between Lukashenko and US President Donald Trump's special envoy, John Coale. This represents the largest one-time release of political prisoners from Belarus. In response, the United States agreed to lift sanctions on two Belarusian state banks, the finance ministry, and top potash producers. The released prisoners include journalists, activists, and protesters, such as Marfa Rabkova, a human rights coordinator imprisoned for over five years on extremism charges. Fifteen released prisoners will be transferred to Lithuania, while others remain in Belarus. Despite this development, human rights organization Viasna reports over 1,100 political prisoners still remain detained in the country.
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