Belarus frees Nobel Prize laureate Bialiatski, opposition figure Kolesnikova among others

France 24Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 9:55:24 AM
Belarus frees Nobel Prize laureate Bialiatski, opposition figure Kolesnikova among others
  • Belarus has released Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and prominent opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova, along with 121 other political prisoners, following negotiations with the United States that resulted in the lifting of certain sanctions against Belarus. This significant move marks a potential thaw in relations between Belarus and the U.S.
  • The release of these political prisoners is a crucial step for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, as it may help improve international relations and alleviate economic pressures stemming from U.S. sanctions, particularly on Belarusian agricultural exports.
  • This development highlights ongoing tensions in Belarus, where political repression has been a significant issue. The release of political prisoners may signal a shift in the government's approach, but reactions from opposition leaders and international observers suggest skepticism about the sincerity of these changes and the long-term implications for democracy in Belarus.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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