Belarusian president pardons 15 prisoners after US talks
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- The move forms part of a broader, year-long initiative swapping prisoner releases for US sanctions relief and unfreezing state assets.
- Negotiations face headwinds as Lukashenko seeks matching EU sanctions relief on key exports and the unfreezing of tens of millions in Citibank funds.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree pardoning 15 prisoners following negotiations with John Coale, a special envoy for US President Donald Trump.
According to state officials, the group of 15 pardoned individuals includes 10 women, with 13 convicted of "crimes of an extremist nature". Belarusian state media reported that the decrees were issued after the individuals submitted formal requests for clemency and expressed remorse.
The release marks the latest development in negotiations between Washington and Minsk. Over the past year, discussions led by Coale have secured the release of political figures, journalists, lawyers, and activists in exchange for targeted US sanctions relief.
During a visit to Minsk, Coale secured the release of 25 individuals, a reduction compared to the 250 prisoners freed during a previous round of talks in March. While Lukashenko maintains that Belarus holds no political prisoners, his administration has continued engagement with US negotiators to ease economic sanctions and international isolation.
According to the human rights group Viasna, 883 political prisoners remain in Belarusian custody on charges ranging from extremist activity to insulting the president.
Diplomatic observers note that recent negotiations have grown more complex. While Washington has eased select sanctions, including restrictions on Belarusian state enterprises, Lukashenko has expressed frustration that European Union partners have not offered matching relief, particularly regarding potash exports, a critical revenue source for the country.
Additionally, the Belarusian administration has requested assistance in releasing between $43 million and $44 million in frozen state assets currently held in Citibank accounts. Coale indicated he would look into the asset restrictions, while representatives for Citibank declined to comment.
