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February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 – Belarus –
Belarus has released three detainees, including an American citizen and a journalist affiliated with U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). This move is seen as part of Belarus’s efforts to improve relations with the United States.
The American detainee’s identity and the charges against them have not been publicly disclosed. The journalist, Andrey Kuznechyk, was arrested in November 2021 during a crackdown on independent media in Belarus. Initially sentenced to 10 days in jail on hooliganism charges, Kuznechyk was later charged with participating in an extremist organization and sentenced to six years in prison. His release was confirmed by RFE/RL, which expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their efforts in securing his freedom.
Also released was Alena Maushuk, a Belarusian activist and mother of three, who had been detained in connection with her participation in the 2020 protests against President Alexander Lukashenko’s disputed reelection. Maushuk was sentenced to six years in prison in April 2021. Belarusian opposition leader-in-exile Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked the U.S. for its advocacy for political prisoners.
The release of these detainees follows a broader pattern of Belarus pardoning over 250 individuals since July 2024, as President Lukashenko seeks to repair ties with the West. The United States has welcomed these gestures but continues to call for the release of nearly 1,300 political prisoners still held in Belarus.
This development highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address human rights concerns in Belarus and the importance of international pressure in securing the release of political prisoners.
Reference –
https://apnews.com/article/belarus-detainees-russia-white-house-1f4e19e6730a9571428232f9a3b706e3
https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2025/02/12/belarus-releases-american-journalist