Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Belarus Releases Nobel Laureate, Opposition Figures in Sanctions Deal
Belarus has released a famous peace prize winner named Ales Bialiatski and an opposition leader named Maria Kalesnikava from prison.
They were among 123 prisoners pardoned by President Alexander Lukashenko.
The United States agreed to lift some sanctions on Belarusian potash, a important export, after talks with Lukashenko.
The US special envoy, John Coale, said the talks were productive and aimed at improving relations between the two countries.
However, some opposition figures warn that the crackdown on dissent continues and Belarus is still supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.
The releases are seen as a sign that Lukashenko is trying to ease Western sanctions.
Belarus released Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and opposition figure Maria Kalesnikava among 123 prisoners pardoned by President Alexander Lukashenko.
The releases followed a US decision to lift sanctions on Belarusian potash, a key export, after talks between US special envoy John Coale and Lukashenko.
Coale described the talks as productive and aimed at normalizing relations between the US and Belarus.
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya expressed gratitude for the prisoner releases but warned against wider concessions, emphasizing the need for long-term change and an end to Belarus' support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
The releases are part of a broader effort by the US to engage with Lukashenko and potentially reduce his dependence on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Who
- Ales Bialiatski, Maria Kalesnikava, and 121 other prisoners
- What
- Release of political prisoners and easing of US sanctions on Belarusian potash
- When
- December 13, 2024
- Where
- Belarus
- Why
- As part of a deal linked to limited US sanctions relief
- Nobel Laureate Released
- Ales Bialiatski
- Opposition Figure Released
- Maria Kalesnikava
- Total Prisoners Pardoned
- 123
- US Sanctions Lifted
- Belarusian potash
- US Envoy
- John Coale
- Belarusian President
- Alexander Lukashenko
- Political Prisoners Freed Since July 2024
- 430
- Belarusian Human Rights Group
- Viasna
Sources
Who are the most prominent prisoners released by Belarusian president Lukashenko?
Belarus frees Nobel winner Bialiatski, opposition figure Kalesnikava as US eases sanctions
Maria Kalesnikava, hero of Belarus opposition, freed after more than 5 years
Belarus frees Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, pardons 123 prisoners as US eases some sanctions
