After 25 Freed in Belarus, Tsikhanouskaya Says Hundreds Still Remain Behind Bars

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the release of 25 political prisoners on Wednesday, Sept. 16, while stressing that hundreds remain imprisoned and negotiations must continue. “Every person released is a victory,” she said, thanking the US for what she described as difficult negotiations with Minsk.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Tsikhanouskaya said every release required “tremendous effort” and accused Alexander Lukashenko of being unwilling to free all political prisoners. “That is precisely why this work must not stop,” she said, urging the US and Europe to coordinate efforts to secure further releases. Kyiv Post earlier reported that Belarus agreed to free 25 prisoners as Washington moves to lift sanctions on two Belarusian companies – paint manufacturer Lakokraska and forestry group Bellesbumprom. Journalists and activists among those freed Those released included Lyudmila Chekina, former head of the now-closed independent news portal Tut.by, as well as journalists Andrei Alexandrov and Irina Zlobina, who married while imprisoned. Activist Yana Pinchuk was also among the group. She was arrested in Russia in 2021 and later extradited to Belarus despite objections from the UN Human Rights Committee. The prisoners were expected to be brought to neighboring Lithuania. US envoy John Coale announced the release, writing: “Twenty-five prisoners are free today!” Washington has reopened dialogue with Minsk under President Donald Trump, with Coale’s visits producing several rounds of prisoner releases. Other Topics of Interest US to Lift Sanctions on 2 Belarus Firms Amid Prisoner Deal Washington will remove restrictions on Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom as negotiations with Alexander Lukashenko continue. Hundreds remain imprisoned The Viasna human rights group estimates that almost 900 political prisoners remain in Belarus. Rights groups have also warned that releases continue alongside new arrests and prosecutions. Tsikhanouskaya said Wednesday’s development was a humanitarian achievement, but “far from the end of this process.” “There are hundreds of them. Behind every number is a person, their family, and their loved ones who continue to wait.” She pledged continued support for those leaving prison while keeping international attention on those still detained. Tsikhanouskaya ended on a note of solidarity with those still imprisoned. “We will welcome those who have been released, help them rebuild their lives after imprisonment, and continue reminding the world about everyone who is still waiting for their day of freedom,” she said. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.