Belarus to Release 25 Prisoners in Exchange for U.S. Sanctions Relief
Belarus has agreed to release 25 political prisoners in exchange for the United States lifting sanctions on two Belarusian companies, Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom, under a deal negotiated by President Donald Trump’s envoy, John Coale. Coale said the agreement was an interim goodwill measure and that further prisoner releases and sanctions relief could follow as the two sides resolve outstanding issues. The deal follows a broader release of 250 prisoners secured during Coale’s previous visit, while Belarusian rights group Viasna says the country still holds roughly 900 political prisoners. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko denies that the detainees are political prisoners and rejects accusations that his government continues replacing released prisoners with new arrests.