Belarus frees 123 prisoners including Ales Bialiatski as US lifts sanctions

Al JazeeraSaturday, December 13, 2025 at 3:10:16 PM
  • Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, following a deal with the United States that resulted in the lifting of sanctions against the country. This significant move marks a potential shift in Belarus's international relations and has been celebrated by supporters of the released prisoners.
  • The release of these prisoners is a crucial development for Belarus, as it signals a willingness from the government to engage in dialogue and possibly reform under international pressure. The lifting of U.S. sanctions, particularly on potash, a vital export, may also have economic implications for the country.
  • This event highlights the ongoing struggle for democracy in Belarus, where activists have faced severe repression under President Alexander Lukashenko's regime. The release of prominent figures may inspire further activism and discussions about human rights, while also reflecting a complex geopolitical landscape involving U.S.-Belarus relations and regional stability.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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Belarus frees 123 prisoners as US lifts sanctions
PositiveWorld Affairs
Belarus has released 123 prisoners, including prominent opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova, following a deal with the United States that led to the lifting of sanctions against the country. This significant move marks a potential shift in Belarus's international relations and its approach to political dissent.
BBC captures celebrations as Belarus frees political prisoners
PositiveWorld Affairs
Belarus has freed 123 political prisoners, including prominent opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova, following a deal with the United States that resulted in the lifting of sanctions against the country. This release has been celebrated by supporters and marks a significant moment in Belarus's political landscape.
Belarus Frees Nobel Winner, Political Prisoners After U.S. Eases Sanctions
PositiveWorld Affairs
Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, following a deal with the United States that resulted in the lifting of certain sanctions against the country. This significant move indicates a thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk.
Belarus frees 123 prisoners in exchange for lifting of US sanctions
PositiveWorld Affairs
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced the release of 123 prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava, following negotiations with a U.S. envoy that resulted in the lifting of certain U.S. sanctions on Belarus. This significant move occurred after two days of discussions aimed at improving diplomatic relations.
Belarus releases 123 prisoners including opposition leaders after US lifts sanctions
PositiveWorld Affairs
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has released 123 prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava, following the lifting of US sanctions on Belarusian potash, a vital export. This decision came after two days of discussions with a US envoy, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the US and Belarus.
Belarus pardons key opposition activist, among 123 prisoners, in exchange for US sanction relief
PositiveWorld Affairs
Belarus has pardoned 123 prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, as part of a deal with the United States that resulted in the lifting of certain sanctions against the country. This significant move marks a potential thaw in relations between Belarus and the U.S.
Belarus frees opposition figure Kolesnikova, Nobel laureate Bialiatski in US-brokered deal
PositiveWorld Affairs
Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova and Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, following a US-brokered deal that also involved a partial lifting of Western sanctions against the country. This significant move was confirmed by rights groups and state media on December 13, 2025.
Belarus Frees Nobel Prize Laureate, Other Prominent Political Prisoners As U.S. Lifts Sanctions
PositiveWorld Affairs
Belarus has released a Nobel Prize laureate and other prominent political prisoners as the United States lifts sanctions against the country. This move signals a potential thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk, with U.S. officials expressing a desire to normalize diplomatic ties.

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