Belarus releases 25 prisoners after a U.S.-brokered deal that lifts sanctions imposed on some Belarusian companies

Belarus has agreed to release 25 prisoners following a deal brokered by the United States, John Coale, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Belarus, announced on Wednesday, September 16. In return, Washington will lift the sanctions imposed on Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom.

The announcement was made in Minsk, a day after Coale’s meeting with President Aleksandr Lukashenko. The American envoy described the arrangement as an “interim agreement” and an “act of goodwill,” adding that negotiations for the release of other people would continue.

Those released include media managers Andrei Aliaksandrau and Liudmila Chekina, as well as journalists Dzmitry Navazhylau and Kiryl Pazniak. Some of the people released reportedly no longer have passports, a situation denounced by human rights defenders as possible forced deportation.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the release but warned that hundreds of political prisoners remain detained. According to the Viasna organization, 887 political prisoners are still in Belarus.

The agreement is the latest in a series of deals negotiated by the United States. In March, Minsk released 250 prisoners, while Washington eased sanctions against some banks and potash producers. In April, journalist Andrzej Poczobut was released in a deal that also involved Poland.

The West sanctions Belarus for its domestic repression and its support for Russia in the war in Ukraine.