Belarus Frees 123 Political Prisoners After US-Brokered Sanctions Deal

Belarus freed 123 political prisoners on Saturday in a major deal that involved the easing of US sanctions. The release included Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava. The prisoners were freed after talks between Belarus and a US envoy in Lithuania. The move marked the largest release ordered by President Alexander Lukashenko in years. The main keyword for this article is “Belarus political prisoners.”

The deal tied the prisoner release to reduced US sanctions on Belarus’ potash industry. Potash is vital for global fertilizer supply, and Belarus is one of the world’s top producers. According to Reuters, the agreement was part of broader US efforts to open limited dialogue with Minsk. The diplomatic move came as Washington continues to pressure Russia and its allies.

Belarus Political Prisoners Released After US Negotiations

The release included nine people who went to Lithuania. Most of the others, more than 110, traveled to Ukraine. According to Reuters, US envoy John Coale said more releases may follow in the coming months. He said as many as 1,000 prisoners could still be freed if talks progress.

Ales Bialiatski had been in jail since 2021. He has long worked on human rights cases in Belarus. He said he spent his last night in detention in a room with nearly 40 inmates. He also said the fight for justice in Belarus is not over. The Norwegian Nobel Committee welcomed his freedom and called it a relief.

Maria Kalesnikava also walked free after years in prison. She was a leader in Belarus’ mass protests in 2020. She said she felt “incredible happiness” when she crossed the border to Ukraine. Viktar Babaryka, another major political figure, also appeared in a video with her. He said his son remains jailed in Belarus.

Impact on Belarus, US Diplomacy, and Regional Politics

The US hopes the release will loosen Belarus’ ties with Russia. According to Reuters, US officials believe limited engagement with Belarus could reduce Moscow’s influence. The Belarusian opposition has said it supports humanitarian efforts but still calls Lukashenko a dictator. They say EU sanctions should continue until Belarus begins a real democratic transition.

Belarus has denied holding political prisoners. The government calls them criminals and “bandits.” However, human rights groups say more than 1,200 people were jailed before the release. The group Viasna reported 1,227 political prisoners as of Friday.

Lukashenko has previously refused to free prisoners he sees as opponents of the state. Now the US says more engagement is possible if more prisoners walk free. The US embassy in Lithuania said it will push for further releases. This deal may mark a shift in Belarus’ foreign policy, but it is still unclear how far Lukashenko will go.

The release of Belarus political prisoners shows a rare moment of diplomacy. The next months will show if more releases follow. The US says its efforts will continue.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How many Belarus political prisoners were released?

Belarus released 123 political prisoners on Saturday. The group included major opposition leaders and activists. It was the largest release in years.

Q2: Why did Belarus agree to the release?

The release was part of a deal backed by the United States. In return, the US eased sanctions on Belarus’ potash sector. Potash is a key export for Belarus.

Q3: Where did the released prisoners go?

Nine traveled to Lithuania. More than 110 went to Ukraine. Others stayed within the region under supervision.

Q4: How many political prisoners remain in Belarus?

According to human rights group Viasna, more than 1,200 prisoners were held before the release. US officials say up to 1,000 may still be in jail.

Q5: What is the US trying to achieve?

The US hopes to weaken Belarus’ dependence on Russia. It also aims to secure the release of all remaining political prisoners. Diplomacy is still ongoing.