Belarus frees 25 prisoners in exchange for the US lifting some sanctions, envoy says
The interim deal follows months of U.S.-mediated talks and could lead to more prisoner releases and additional sanctions relief, officials said.
- On Wednesday, U.S. special envoy John Coale announced Belarus agreed to release 25 prisoners in exchange for the United States lifting sanctions on two companies, Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom.
- This agreement mirrors a March deal where President Alexander Lukashenko freed 250 prisoners after Washington lifted sanctions on Belarusian state banks, part of negotiations Coale has led since 2025 to secure releases in exchange for sanctions relief.
- Among those released were journalist Andrei Alyaksandrau, his wife Iryna Zlobina, and Liudmila Chekina, head of news portal TUT.BY. A September 15 UN report documented that authorities continue using the criminal justice system as an instrument of repression.
- Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the release but cautioned against viewing it as political change, stating, "We should not confuse releases with political change. Repression continues, and Lukashenko continues supporting Russia's war."
- Rights group Viasna reports that more than 900 political prisoners remain in Belarus, while critics warn Lukashenko uses detainees as "bargaining chips" to legitimize his rule; lawyers documented that authorities confiscated passports of some released detainees, amounting to forced deportation.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Belarus Releases 25 Prisoners After Lukashenko's Latest Talks With US Envoy Coale
US special envoy John Coale announced that 25 people were released from Belarusian prisons in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions on two Belarusian companies following his talks with the country’s longtime authoritarian leader, Aleksandr Lukashenko.
The Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has again released political prisoners. In exchange, the US once again lift sanctions against the supporter of Russia.
Belarus to Release 25 Prisoners in Exchange for U.S. Sanctions Relief
Belarus released 25 prisoners in a deal with the United States that includes lifting sanctions on two state-linked companies, according to U.S. envoy John Coale, signaling progress in ongoing negotiations over sanctions and diplomatic normalization. Reports across several outlets confirm the release amid Belarus's wider tally of political detainees and continuing talks on broader concessions. · 21 sources across the spectrum on IJR News.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
