Lukashenko Frees 15 More Prisoners Following Round of US-Belarusian Talks
The releases were agreed to in exchange for pledges to secure the return of tens of millions of dollars in frozen Belarusian assets from U.S. banks.
TL;DR
- Belarus freed 15 additional prisoners.
- This follows the release of dozens last week.
- The releases are a result of talks between U.S. envoy John Coale and Minsk.
- Ten of the newly pardoned individuals were women.
- Thirteen had committed crimes of an extreme nature.
- The individuals reportedly admitted guilt and asked for clemency.
- A human rights group stated 13 were political prisoners convicted under political articles.
- Lukashenko denies the existence of political prisoners in Belarus.
- He has engaged with the Trump administration for sanctions relief in exchange for prisoner releases.