President Donald Trump announced Sunday that Belarus has agreed to release another 250 political prisoners, crediting negotiations between his envoy and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Last week, my Envoy to Belarus, John Coale, after negotiating with Highly Respected President Alexander Lukashenko, got 250 more Political Prisoners freed!” The president added that this action brings the total number of prisoners released by Belarus to “well over 500” since last May. He also expressed his gratitude: “I would like to give my warmest THANK YOU to the President for doing this, and I look forward to being with him at the next Board of Peace meeting!”
Belarus has faced sustained international criticism for its handling of political opponents following a disputed 2020 presidential election that led to massive demonstrations. Tens of thousands participated in what were described as the largest protests since Belarus became independent after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Human rights organizations report that the country continues to hold more than 1,000 political prisoners, including opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. Many detainees are ordinary citizens accused of participating in protests or expressing dissent.
