Joyous Reunion: Belarusian Political Prisoners Celebrate Freedom after U.S. Sanction Lift

Mon Dec 15 2025 19:52:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A total of 123 political prisoners, including notable opposition leaders, are freed from Belarusian jails following U.S. negotiations that lifted sanctions on a key Belarusian export.

Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including prominent opposition figures such as Maria Kolesnikova and Ales Bialiatski, following a high-stakes negotiation with the U.S. that lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash. Celebrations erupted among families and friends as these former prisoners were greeted in Vilnius, Lithuania. While the moment of freedom is celebrated, concerns remain regarding those still imprisoned under Alexander Lukashenko's regime.

Rumours of a major prisoner release from Belarus had been swirling for a couple of days. The names on the release list remained undisclosed until all were safely freed. In total, 123 political prisoners were released, including some of the most recognizable figures in the Belarusian opposition, like Maria Kolesnikova.

A video capturing Kolesnikova jumping for joy and reuniting with other former prisoners quickly circulated on social media. She expressed her overwhelming happiness to be free, while also remembering those still imprisoned.

The release of these prisoners is the result of complex negotiations led by the United States, culminating in a two-day visit to Minsk by Donald Trump's special envoy, John Coale. This development marks a significant shift in U.S. relations with Belarus, once considered a political pariah in the West.

In addition to Kolesnikova, others freed include Viktor Babaryka, a banker who attempted to run for president in 2020, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, who was serving a ten-year sentence.

Lukashenko's willingness to release these prisoners coincides with a lifting of U.S. sanctions on Belarus's potash export, drawing scrutiny over the motivations behind such diplomatic maneuvers. As the darkness of oppression begins to lift for some, the ever-growing concern for the many still behind bars remains urgent.

Gathered outside the U.S. embassy in Vilnius, friends and relatives welcomed the ex-prisoners with open arms, wrapped in the red and white flags of the Belarusian opposition. With heartfelt reunions in the air, Kolesnikova's sister couldn't hide her smile, expressing her disbelief at reconnecting with her sister after years of solitary confinement.

Despite the joy of reuniting, many attendees voiced concerns about the remaining prisoners still under Lukashenko's regime, reflecting a deep commitment to continue advocating for their freedom.

Bialiatski, having witnessed the brutalities faced by less prominent detainees, rallied the crowd with a call for 'optimism and activism,' proclaiming, 'Never give up!'

This recent turn of events raises questions about the future of Belarus under Lukashenko's rule, as well as the continued efforts needed to secure the freedom of all political prisoners.