Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko pardons 15 prisoners after talks with US envoy John Coale

On September 24, 2026, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 15 prisoners, following negotiations with US envoy John Coale. This action is part of ongoing talks that have led to the release of hundreds of prisoners in exchange for sanctions relief. The pardoned individuals included ten women, and thirteen were convicted of extremist crimes. Human rights group Viasna reports that 883 political prisoners remain in Belarus. Coale's goal is to free all remaining prisoners this year, though recent releases have been fewer than in previous visits.