Belarus recently released 123 prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova. In return, the U.S. lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash, a crucial fertilizer component. This move came after two days of discussions between U.S. envoy John Coale and President Alexander Lukashenko.
This prisoner release marks a significant shift for Lukashenko, especially since the U.S. and many Western nations had previously shunned him due to human rights abuses and his support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Since 2020, after a disputed election, sanctions had heavily impacted Belarus’s economy.
Ukrainian officials also confirmed that among those freed were 114 individuals, including Ukrainian citizens accused of espionage and Belarusian political prisoners. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned that five Ukrainians were among those released.
Former Belarus diplomat Pavel Slunkin noted this release could signal a warming relationship between the U.S. and Belarus, hinting that more sanctions might be lifted in the future. Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya highlighted that the sanctions had indeed pressured Lukashenko into making concessions.
Interestingly, as the prisoners rejoined their families, many had been out of contact for up to five years, a significant violation of their rights. Anais Marin, a former UN rapporteur, called this an emotional moment for the families and activists who feared for their loved ones’ lives.
Among the released prisoners, Bialiatski has been a long-time advocate for human rights and democracy. His wife confirmed he was on his way to Lithuania, where he was looking forward to being free. Kolesnikova expressed her joy at being reunited with her loved ones and thanked the U.S. for their involvement.
This release demonstrates that diplomatic engagement can lead to tangible changes, even in complicated political landscapes. The situation remains fluid, but the recent developments could reshape Belarus’s political dynamics and its relationships with the West.
For further details, you can read more on the Al Jazeera website or the BBC for updates on this ongoing story.
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