In a strategic move, Belarus has announced the release of 25 prisoners as part of ongoing negotiations for a reduction in U.S. sanctions, according to a statement from an envoy of former President Donald Trump, reported on Wednesday.
This agreement is a component of extensive talks aimed at persuading Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to liberate hundreds of individuals, including human rights defenders, political activists, journalists, and lawyers, in exchange for easing sanctions and alleviating his international isolation.
Trump’s emissary John Coale spoke to reporters in the Belarusian capital of Minsk, stating, “We have reached a provisional agreement, and as a gesture of goodwill, Belarus will release 25 individuals while the United States will lift sanctions on two companies.”
The newly announced figure of 25 prisoners is significantly lower than the 250 released during Coale’s previous visit to Minsk in March.
Coale indicated that both parties are committed to addressing outstanding issues to pave the way for further prisoner releases and additional sanctions relief.
“We will continue to enhance relations between the U.S. and Belarus, working towards securing the release of a larger number of individuals in the very near future. We haven’t stopped here!” he later posted on X.
The Belarusian human rights organization Viasna reported that a new round of pardons has commenced, with families of some prisoners being informed that they could pick up their relatives from penal colonies on Wednesday morning.
Lukashenko’s Tactic: Release Some, Arrest Others
Viasna, an organization banned in Belarus, claims that the former Soviet republic still holds over 900 political prisoners, even after Coale negotiated the release of hundreds since mid-last year.
The most common charges against these individuals include “extremist” activity, conspiracy to seize power, incitement of hatred, or insulting the president.
During discussions with Coale on Tuesday, Lukashenko denied that these individuals are political prisoners and dismissed claims from human rights groups and exiled opposition that he continuously arrests more people to replace those he releases.
The two companies that will be removed from the U.S. sanctions list are Lakokraska, a manufacturer of industrial paints and varnishes, and Bellesbumprom, a state industrial concern overseeing forestry, pulp, and paper sectors. Sanctions against these entities had been imposed since 2008 and 2023, respectively.
Coale also promised Lukashenko on Tuesday that he would persuade American banks to return tens of millions of dollars in frozen Belarusian assets.
Coale’s efforts last year resulted in the release of notable figures, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, garnering gratitude from many Belarusians, but also raising concerns.
“We should seize every opportunity to save lives. However, we must not confuse releases with political change. Repression continues, and Lukashenko persists in supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine,” commented exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in remarks to Reuters on Tuesday.
