'Never give up': Belarusian prisoners celebrate release after US lifts sanctions

After negotiations led by the US, Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including prominent opposition figures like Maria Kolesnikova, Viktor Babaryka, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski. These individuals were imprisoned for opposing the authoritarian rule of Alexander Lukashenko, particularly after the 2020 protests. The release followed a visit to Minsk by a US special envoy and resulted in the US lifting sanctions on Belarusian potash exports. In return, Lukashenko, a close ally of Russia, has re-established dialogue with the US after years of isolation. While EU penalties remain, the US engagement with Belarus occurs amidst broader efforts to re-engage with Moscow. The released prisoners expressed joy and gratitude, while also remembering those still imprisoned.

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