Political prisoners have been released in Belarus. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
A total of 123 people have been freed. Among them are prominent opposition leaders, human rights activists, and journalists.
Notably among those released are Maria Kolesnikova, a leader of the 2020 protest demonstrations, and Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski. The prisoners were freed as a result of a government decision or international negotiations.
Maria Kolesnikova welcomed her freedom with great joy. She embraced former prisoners and expressed deep gratitude to those who supported them.
Kolesnikova described this day as one of the most unforgettable moments of her life. She emphasized that she hopes other political prisoners remaining in Belarus will be released soon.
This release process was carried out with the mediation of the United States. During the negotiations, sanctions on potash exports imposed on Belarus were lifted.
However, other sanctions by the European Union against Belarus remain in effect. These negotiations have activated dialogue between the United States and Belarus.
Relatives of the prisoners and human rights activists welcomed them in front of the U.S. embassy. After his release, Ales Bialiatski recalled prison life and expressed his hope for the freedom of all political prisoners.
He called on people not to lose hope and to continue the struggle.
