Belarus president Lukashenko frees 15 more prisoners in wake of US talks
- On Thursday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 15 prisoners following talks last week with President Donald Trump's envoy, John Coale.
- Coale has negotiated with Lukashenko for over a year, exchanging prisoner releases for sanctions relief while Lukashenko seeks to ease his international isolation despite denying political prisoners exist.
- Lukashenko's office reported the 15 pardoned individuals included 10 women, with 13 having "committed crimes of an extremist nature" after they asked for clemency and expressed remorse.
- Lukashenko has demanded the release of $43 million to $44 million in frozen Belarusian assets held at Citibank, which Coale promised last week to address as Lukashenko claims they are "stuck."
- Despite these releases, banned group Viasna reports 883 political prisoners remain in Belarus, while analysts say Lukashenko is frustrated that U.S. sanctions relief has not been matched by the European Union.
48 Articles
48 Articles
Lukashenka signed a decree granting pardon to 15 convicted persons, 13 of whom were convicted under political articles.
EADaily, 24 September 2026 President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus signed a pardon order for 15 convicted prisoners, which was reported to the Belarusian leader's press service today, 24 September.
The Independent
The Independent (US)Belarus releases 15 more prisoners following talks with US envoy
The banned human rights group Viasna reports that 883 political prisoners remain in Belarus
The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukasenko, pardoned 13 prisoners imprisoned for "extremist crimes", announced on Thursday the presidential office, using the term for those described by the opposition and human rights defenders as political prisoners.
Lukashenko signed a pardon order for 15 convicted prisoners, including 13 for "extremist crimes".
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