Belarus releases 250 political prisoners after negotiations with US, envoy says

Belarus' President Aliaksandr Lukashenka on Thursday ordered the release of 250 political prisoners as part of a deal with Washington to lift some US sanctions, the latest step in the isolated leader’s effort to improve ties with the West.

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Lukashenka pardoned the prisoners after meeting with President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Belarus, John Coale.

"Today's release of 250 individuals is a significant humanitarian milestone and a testament to the President's commitment to direct, hard-nosed diplomacy," Coale said on X, posting a picture with some of the released prisoners.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to our Lithuanian partners for their pivotal role in this mission," he added.

The authoritarian state has released dozens of prisoners in recent months, largely due to US efforts.

President Donald Trump has sought a rapprochement with Minsk since taking office last year, easing sanctions on the country and welcoming it to his "Board of Peace."

There are more than 1,100 political prisoners in Belarusian jails, many arrested after a disputed 2020 election that triggered widespread protests, according to the Viasna human rights centre.

Among the highest-profile releases in recent months were Belarusian street protest leader Maria Kolesnikova and Nobel Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, as well as dissident activist Mikola Statkevich.

Belarusian state media published a video showing Lukashenka greeting and embracing Coale in a government building in Minsk on Thursday.

"We are discussing our bilateral relations, ranging from the resumption of normal embassy operations to the release of so-called political prisoners. Although we do not have such a designation," Lukashenka was quoted as saying by Belarusian state media ahead of the meeting.

Last September, Belarus released dozens of political prisoners in a US deal, in exchange for the easing of some sanctions.