Belarus Frees 52 Political Prisoners Amid US Sanctions Relief

 

 

Belarus has released 52 political prisoners, including journalists, trade union leaders, and activists, as part of a deal with the United States to ease some sanctions. More than 1,000 political prisoners, however, remain behind bars.

 

The US announced it will partially lift sanctions on Belarusian airline Belavia, allowing it to purchase airplane parts. Belavia had been sanctioned after Belarus forced a Ryanair flight to land in Minsk in 2021, leading to the arrest of journalist Roman Protasevich.

 

The prisoner release coincides with joint military exercises between Belarus and Russia, known as Zapad-2025. In response, Poland is closing its border with Belarus, and Latvia is restricting parts of its airspace. Russia’s foreign ministry condemned Poland for its “confrontational steps,” while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized Russia’s actions as mocking Western efforts.

 

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, in power since 1994, described the release as a humanitarian gesture after meeting US special envoy John Coale in Minsk. Discussions also included re-establishing trade relations and reopening the US embassy in Minsk, which closed in February 2022 due to Belarus’s role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Coale said the embassy reopening would happen “in the very near future.”

 

Since July 2023, Belarus has released a total of 366 prisoners, according to Human Rights Watch, in an effort to improve relations with the West. Lukashenko praised the US stance, stating Belarus “does not need political prisoners or any other prisoners.”

 

The move underscores Minsk’s desire to repair its economic ties with the United States while balancing close military cooperation with Russia.

 

Key Takeaways:

1. Belarus released 52 political prisoners in exchange for partial US sanctions relief.

2. Belavia airline sanctions were eased, allowing purchase of airplane parts.

3. The releases occur amid Zapad-2025 drills and ongoing tensions with neighboring countries.

 

Source: Original Article

Lifting sanctions while Belarus starts a joint military exercise with Russia?

1 hour ago, stevenl said:

Lifting sanctions while Belarus starts a joint military exercise with Russia?

Detaching allies from the enemy is a good strategy.

 

Whose star does this despot want to be hitched to?