Belarus frees dozens of prisoners after Trump's request
- On September 11, Belarus released 52 prisoners, including six Lithuanians and some foreign nationals.
- This release was made possible by a request from U.S. President Donald Trump, indicating a potential thaw in U.S.-Belarus relations.
- Despite the release, over 1,000 political prisoners remain in Belarusian prisons, showing the need for continued advocacy and support for human rights.
Belarus released 52 prisoners on September 11, 2025, following a request from U.S. President Donald Trump. Among those freed were six Lithuanians, two Latvians, two Poles, two Germans, one French national, and one U.K. national. This act comes amid a potential thaw in relations between Belarus and the United States, especially after a high-level meeting between Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and Trump’s envoy, John Coale. Despite the release, over 1,000 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions within the country following the controversial 2020 presidential election and subsequent protests against Lukashenko's regime. The international community continues to watch Belarus closely as the situation develops.