Belarus Releases 123 Political Prisoners, Including Nobel Laureate, in Exchange for U.S. Sanctions Lift

On December 13, 2025, Belarus made a significant political move by releasing 123 political prisoners, a step that has drawn international attention amid ongoing tensions with the West. Among those freed was Ales Bialiatski, co-winner of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, who had been sentenced to ten years in prison for his human rights activities. Bialiatski was reported to have arrived safely in Vilnius, Lithuania following his release.

In addition to Bialiatski, notable opposition figures such as Maria Kolesnikova and Viktor Babaryko were included in the group's release. Kolesnikova, a key symbol of opposition since the disputed 2020 Belarusian presidential elections, was sentenced to eleven years for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. After nearly five years in confinement, she was unexpectedly transferred to Ukraine rather than Lithuania and declared during a press conference in Tchernihiv that she harbors no regrets about her activism, emphasizing her belief in the justice of her cause.

This large-scale release appears to be linked to a diplomatic agreement involving the United States. The Belarusian government is said to have received a commitment for the lifting of certain American sanctions in exchange for freeing these prisoners. The move signals a potential thaw or strategic pivot in Belarus’s strained relations with Western countries, though details about the terms remain closely watched by international observers.

The released individuals included prominent opposition leaders and human rights defenders, marking a rare concession from the Belarusian regime, which has faced widespread criticism for its political repression.

This event not only underscores a notable moment of change in Belarusian domestic politics but also carries broader implications for international diplomacy and human rights advocacy. With the high-profile nature of the prisoners freed and the involvement of Nobel laureate Bialiatski, this development has sparked renewed global attention on Belarus and its political future.