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4w ago

Belarus Frees 52 Political Prisoners After U.S. Mediation as Opposition Decries Forced Exile

Washington approved limited Belavia sanctions relief allowing maintenance and parts purchases.

Image
A prisoner released from Belarus, journalist Irina Slavnikova, talks on the phone as she and other released prisoners arrive at the U.S. embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania, September 11, 2025. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel
A prisoner released from Belarus is greeted by U.S. President Donald Trump's representative John Coale, at the US embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania, September 11, 2025. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya stands with prisoners released from Belarus, at the US embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania, September 11, 2025. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel

Overview

  • Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said 52 prisoners crossed into Lithuania, including 14 foreign nationals from six European countries.
  • The U.S. delegation led by envoy John Coale mediated the releases and announced a narrowly tailored easing that lets Belavia service and buy components for its existing fleet.
  • Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called the transfers forced deportations, saying passports were confiscated and temporary papers were issued.
  • Veteran opposition figure Mikalai Statkevich reportedly refused to enter Lithuania and his whereabouts are unclear after Belarusian personnel took him from the border area, according to opposition accounts.
  • Rights groups say roughly 1,000–1,200 political prisoners remain; those freed include RFE/RL journalist Ihar Losik and an EU delegation staff member, far short of the 1,300–1,400 releases urged by President Donald Trump.