A total of 123 political prisoners have been released from Belarus. This includes well-known opposition leaders, human rights activists, and journalists. Among those released are the 2020 protest leader Maria Kolesnikova and Nobel Prize winner Ales Bialiatski. The prisoners were freed either by government decision or through negotiations.
Maria Kolesnikova welcomed her freedom with great joy. She hugged former prisoners and thanked everyone who helped make this moment possible. She called the first night of her freedom one of the most beautiful moments of her life and noted that she is waiting for the release of the remaining prisoners in Belarus.
The release was carried out through US-led negotiations. During the process, US sanctions on Belarus’ key export, potash, were lifted. EU sanctions remain in place. The negotiations strengthened communication between the US and Belarus.
Outside the US embassy, relatives and activists greeted the released prisoners. Ales Bialiatski, recalling his prison life, said he is waiting for all Belarusian political prisoners to be freed and urged people to “never give up” and “keep hope alive.”
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