Belarus released 25 political prisoners / The US was expected to ease sanctions

Belarus released 25 people on Wednesday, including human rights activists, journalists, politicians, and lawyers, following negotiations conducted over more than a year between U.S. envoy John Coale and President Aleksandr Lukashenko. The releases were accompanied by a relaxation of the sanctions imposed by the United States on some Belarusian companies.

John Coale, tasked by President Donald Trump with negotiating the release of hundreds of detainees, said that the process had been “very successful” and that Trump was pleased with the results. However, the number of people released is much lower than the figure agreed upon during the envoy’s previous visit to Minsk in March, when the release of 250 people was negotiated.

Among those released is journalist Andrei Alyaksandrau, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison, as well as three musicians arrested in 2022. Their songs had been declared “extremist materials” by the Belarusian authorities.

Coale intends to return to Belarus in approximately one month and hopes to secure the release of “hundreds” of detainees. The Viasna organization estimates that 886 political prisoners remain in the country.

Meanwhile, Washington eased sanctions against the companies Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom, which are active in the paint, forestry, pulp, and paper industries.