US EditionBelarus releases 52 prisoners, US embassy in Lithuania says
- Belarus released 52 political prisoners who crossed into Lithuania on September 11, 2025, confirmed by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.
- The release followed prolonged negotiations involving a U.S.-led delegation headed by John Coale and direct appeals from U.S. President Donald Trump to Belarusian President Lukashenko.
- The released prisoners included 14 foreigners from various countries, and tens of thousands had been detained during a crackdown after Lukashenko's disputed January 2025 reelection.
- John Coale stated, "The decision has been made," and Nauseda called the event "a long-awaited breakthrough" amid ongoing concerns over nearly 1,200 political prisoners still detained.
- This release signals a significant step in international diplomacy as Belarus seeks to improve Western relations while sanctions were simultaneously lifted from Belarusian airline Belavia.
92 Articles
92 Articles
Belarus releases 52 political prisoners after Trump appeal
Belarus has freed 52 prisoners of various nationalities and they are now on their way to Lithuania with the U.S. delegation that negotiated their release, a spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Vilnius said on Thursday.
According to the state news agency Belta, along with Belarusians, six Lithuanians, two Latvians, two Poles, two Germans, one French and one British were released, following the visit to Belarus of the Deputy Special Envoy to President Donald Trump.
Belarus Releases 52 Political Prisoners After Meeting With U.S. Officials in Minsk
Belarus released dozens of political prisoners, including several from the West, following negotiations between U.S. and Belarusian officials in Minsk, Lithuania’s president announced Thursday. “No man left behind! 52 prisoners safely crossed the Lithuanian border from Belarus today, leaving behind barbed wire, barred windows and constant fear,” Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda wrote on X, noting that six Lithuanian nationals were among thos…
Belarus has pardoned 52 prisoners and released them in Lithuania, according to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, who also thanked US President Donald Trump for involvement on Thursday.
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