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February 12, 2025 – USA –
Belarus released three detainees on February 12, 2025, including an American citizen, Belarusian journalist Andrey Kuznechyk, and opposition activist Alena Maushuk. The surprise move, facilitated through diplomatic coordination with Lithuania and the United States, was welcomed by the White House and international human rights advocates.
The American citizen, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reportedly transferred to safety in Vilnius, Lithuania, along with the two Belarusians. The U.S. government confirmed their release and praised the collaborative efforts that led to their freedom, particularly highlighting Lithuania’s role in providing safe passage and temporary asylum.
Andrey Kuznechyk, a journalist with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, had been imprisoned since November 2021 on politically motivated charges of “extremism,” widely condemned by press freedom organizations. His detention was emblematic of the Belarusian government’s crackdown on independent media following mass protests against President Alexander Lukashenko’s controversial 2020 re-election. Human rights groups had long demanded his release.
Opposition activist Alena Maushuk had also been detained for her role in organizing protests and supporting democratic reform efforts. Her release, along with Kuznechyk’s, is seen as a small but meaningful concession by the Belarusian regime amid mounting international pressure and isolation.
The White House, under President Donald Trump, hailed the release as another victory in its campaign to secure the return of American citizens detained abroad. It followed closely on the heels of American teacher Marc Fogel’s release from Russian custody, suggesting a broader diplomatic strategy targeting authoritarian detentions.
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, exiled in Lithuania, expressed gratitude for the international efforts that secured the trio’s freedom. However, she emphasized that many political prisoners remain behind bars in Belarus and called for continued global advocacy.
The release marks a rare moment of progress in U.S.-Belarus relations but also draws attention to ongoing repression in the country. While celebrated as a diplomatic win, it also highlights the broader challenges faced by journalists, dissidents, and foreign nationals caught in the crosshairs of authoritarian regimes.
Reference –
https://www.npr.org/2025/02/12/g-s1-48479/belarus-prisoners-released-american-white-house
https://apnews.com/article/belarus-detainees-russia-white-house-1f4e19e6730a9571428232f9a3b706e3
