Belarus has freed 123 prisoners, including prominent opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova, after the US agreed to lift sanctions on the Eastern European country. Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski is also among those who have been freed following talks in Minsk with US President Donald Trump's special envoy for Belarus, John Coale. The US has agreed to lift sanctions on potash, a key ingredient in fertiliser and an important export for the country whose president, Alexander Lukashenko, is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Coale said: As relations between the two countries normalize, more and more sanctions will be lifted. The EU has not recognised Lukashenko as president. Kolesnikova has been in prison since 2020, much of the time in isolation. Her sister, Tatiana, who campaigned tirelessly for her release was able to speak to her by video call soon after and confirmed the news to the BBC. A group of those released are expected in Lithuania's capital Vilnius shortly. A crowd is gathering outside the US embassy. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Belarus Releases 123 Prisoners Following US Sanctions Lift
Belarus Releases 123 Prisoners Following US Sanctions Lift
In a significant move, Belarus has freed 123 prisoners, including notable activist Maria Kolesnikova, as the US lifts sanctions on the country. This development comes amid diplomatic talks aiming to normalize relations between Belarus and the United States.
Belarus has announced the release of 123 prisoners, such as prominent opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova and Nobel Laureate Ales Bialiatski, after the US decided to lift key sanctions. The sanctions targeted Belarusian potash exports, crucial for the nation's economy. The decision aligns with ongoing diplomatic dialogues between Belarus and the US, which seek to mend bilateral relations.
