Belarus president frees 15 prisoners in US sanctions deal
Lukashenko freed 15 prisoners after talks with Trump's envoy over easing some US sanctions.
Trump's special envoy John Coale worked with Lukashenko for more than a year. Coale won the release of hundreds including opposition figures, journalists, activists and lawyers.
Lukashenko's office said the 15 newly freed included 10 women. Thirteen were convicted on charges such as extremist activity.
Human rights group Viasna says 883 political prisoners remain. Coale's goal is to free all remaining prisoners this year.
This suggests Lukashenko is taking a harder stance.
Why it mattersLukashenko gradually releases prisoners in return for US sanctions relief, trying to balance his need for international respect with frustration that Europe hasn't matched the US easing.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, though the prisoner releases reflect shifting US-Belarus relations that shape global diplomacy and human rights pressure.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 d ago
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