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123 political prisoners freed after secret negotiations
Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including high-profile opposition figures, human rights activists, and journalists, following months of closed-door talks led by the United States. The move marks a rare diplomatic breakthrough for President Alexander Lukashenko, who has faced years of Western isolation over his authoritarian rule.
Key figures among those released
The list includes Maria Kolesnikova, a prominent protest leader known for her defiant red lipstick, who was imprisoned after the 2020 mass demonstrations against Lukashenko. A video of her celebrating with fellow former prisoners quickly spread online, with Kolesnikova expressing joy at reuniting with loved ones but vowing to continue fighting for those still detained.
Other notable names include Viktor Babaryka, a banker barred from running in the 2020 presidential election, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, who served four years of a 10-year sentence for his human rights work.
US sanctions relief part of the agreement
The prisoner release follows a two-day visit to Minsk by John Coale, a special envoy appointed by former US President Donald Trump. As part of the deal, Washington lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash exports, a key revenue source for Lukashenko's government. European Union penalties, however, remain in place.
Analysts suggest the move aligns with broader US efforts to re-engage with Russia, a close ally of Belarus, amid ongoing peace talks over the war in Ukraine. The motivations behind Trump's involvement remain unclear, though some speculate it may be tied to broader geopolitical strategies.
Families celebrate, but reunions delayed by last-minute twist
Dozens of relatives and supporters gathered outside the US embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania, expecting to welcome the freed prisoners. However, only seven foreign nationals and Ales Bialiatski arrived in Lithuania. The remaining 115, including Kolesnikova, were instead sent to Ukraine-a decision opposition leaders attributed to Lukashenko's attempt to exert control even in their release.
Tatsiana Khomich, Kolesnikova's sister, described the emotional toll of the delay. "She's fine, she's good," Khomich said after speaking with her sister. "I just want to hug her. I still can't quite believe it."
Kolesnikova, a former professional flautist, endured long stretches of solitary confinement during her imprisonment, with limited contact with her family.
Bialiatski urges continued pressure on Lukashenko
Ales Bialiatski, appearing gaunt and wearing his prison jacket, addressed the crowd in Vilnius, expressing disbelief at his sudden freedom. "I was driven across Belarus in a blindfold, from east to west, so I still can't get my head round it," he said. When asked about his immediate plans, he replied simply, "I want to see my wife."
"It is very important for everyone to continue to work for those political prisoners who are still in Belarusian prisons, to strive for the complete release of all of them."
Ales Bialiatski
Bialiatski's organization, Viasna, monitors political detentions in Belarus and estimates that hundreds of lesser-known activists remain imprisoned.
Opposition divided over US deal
While the prisoner release has been widely celebrated, some opposition figures question whether the US conceded too much to Lukashenko. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, a leading opposition figure and ally of Kolesnikova, acknowledged the complexity of negotiations but emphasized that sanctions could be reinstated if Lukashenko backtracks.
"President Trump now uses carrots. He also can use sticks."
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya
Others, like a protester waving a Belarusian opposition flag, warned that Lukashenko's actions were not a sign of reform but a calculated move to secure economic relief. "This is not a sign of sudden humanity," he said. "He'll just take more prisoners."
What's next for the freed prisoners?
The long-term fate of the released prisoners remains uncertain. Many are expected to remain in exile, as returning to Belarus could lead to re-arrest. For now, their focus is on reuniting with families and continuing their activism from abroad.
As Bialiatski told the crowd in Vilnius, "Optimism and activism. Never give up!"
