'Pressure works': Belarus opposition leader Tikhanovskaya reacts to release of political prisoners

France 24Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 5:51:34 PM
'Pressure works': Belarus opposition leader Tikhanovskaya reacts to release of political prisoners
  • Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova and Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, following a deal with the United States that also resulted in the lifting of certain sanctions against the country. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the exiled opposition leader, emphasized that despite this release, over 1,200 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus, highlighting ongoing repression under President Alexander Lukashenko's regime.
  • This development is significant as it reflects the impact of international pressure on Belarusian authorities, with Tikhanovskaya acknowledging the role of the Trump administration in facilitating the release. However, she cautioned that the situation remains dire, with continuous arrests and family terrorization occurring daily, indicating that the struggle for democracy in Belarus is far from over.
  • The release of these prisoners marks a potential shift in Belarus's international relations, particularly with the United States, as it navigates the complexities of sanctions and diplomatic negotiations. The broader context reveals a persistent struggle against authoritarianism in Belarus, with activists continuing to face state violence and repression, underscoring the resilience of the opposition and the ongoing fight for democratic freedoms.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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