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Belarus frees 250 political prisoners in US-brokered deal
Belarus freed 250 political prisoners after talks with the U.S., aiming to ease sanctions and reduce international isolation, with over 1,100 prisoners still detained, rights group Viasna said.
- On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, pardoned 250 prisoners after meeting with U.S. envoy John Coale in a deal to lift some sanctions.
- Amid prolonged isolation and sanctions, Belarus faced repeated Western penalties for human-rights abuses and Moscow’s war use, while talks involve restoring the U.S. Embassy in Minsk, Belta reports.
- Human rights group Viasna says more than 1,100 political prisoners remain in Belarus, while U.S. officials eased sanctions in December alongside releasing 123 prisoners to Ukraine and Lithuania.
- Belta reported that talks include restoring the U.S. Embassy in Minsk, the release of political prisoners, sanctions, and a possible U.S. trip for Lukashenko was discussed.
- In the broader context, observers say recent Belarusian prisoner releases aim to win favor with the West amid close Russia ties, with Lukashenko freeing Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski and others this year.
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55 Articles
55 Articles
Belarus Releases 250 Political Prisoners in Exchange For US Sanctions Relief
Despite the much-publicized US-brokered releases, it is unclear whether Belarusian prisons are getting any emptier. Minsk took nearly 500 new political prisoners in 2025, human rights activists say.
·Kyiv, Ukraine
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After direct negotiations with the US, Belarus releases 250 political prisoners. In return, the US government cancels some sanctions. President Lukashenko could soon even benefit personally.
·Hamburg, Germany
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The Lukashenko regime released 250 people thanks to the efforts of the United States.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources55
Leaning Left9Leaning Right7Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Center
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
48% Center
L 29%
C 48%
R 23%
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