'Never give up': Belarusian prisoners celebrate release after US lifts sanctions

BBC NewsSunday, December 14, 2025 at 6:18:37 PM
'Never give up': Belarusian prisoners celebrate release after US lifts sanctions
  • Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including prominent opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova and Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, following a deal with the United States that resulted in the lifting of sanctions against the country. This release marks a significant moment for those who have endured years of political repression in Belarus.
  • The release of these prisoners is a pivotal development for Belarus, as it reflects a potential shift in the country's political landscape and its relations with the West. For Kolesnikova, who spent over five years in prison, this moment signifies a hard-fought victory for political activists in the region.
  • This event highlights ongoing struggles for democracy and human rights in Belarus, where activists have faced severe repression under President Alexander Lukashenko's regime. The lifting of sanctions and the release of political prisoners may indicate a thaw in relations between Belarus and the international community, raising hopes for future reforms and greater freedoms.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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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.
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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 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.

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