Belarus Plans New Political Prisoner Release

Belarus is preparing a new round of pardons for political prisoners following talks between President Alexander Lukashenko and US envoy John Coale.

According to reports from Belarusian state news agency Belta and human rights group Viasna, Minsk is expected to release 25 prisoners, while the United States would ease sanctions on two Belarusian companies in return.

Relatives of some of the prisoners have reportedly already been told to prepare to collect them.

The United States has been negotiating with Minsk since last year, gradually easing sanctions in exchange for the release of political prisoners. Coale’s talks with Lukashenko have helped secure the release of hundreds of prisoners.

Despite the releases, repression continues. Viasna currently lists 912 political prisoners in Belarus, many of whom face charges related to alleged extremism, opposition activity or criticism of the authorities.

Lukashenko has rejected accusations that Belarus holds political prisoners and has also denied opposition claims that his government is arresting new people to replace those released under agreements with Washington.

(Reuters, max)