Political situation in Belarus

Hundreds could be released: "That is my hope"

The US hopes that Belarus will release several hundred more political prisoners, says Donald Trump’s envoy John Coale, according to Reuters.

Twenty-five prisoners were released on Wednesday following Coale’s trip to the Belarusian capital, Minsk, and another visit is already planned.

"That is my hope. I am convinced that we will get many more out."

Several media executives and journalists are among the prisoners already released. 

Belarus releases 25 prisoners – US lifts sanctions

Belarus released 25 political prisoners on Wednesday morning, the country's state media reports, according to Reuters.

The announcement follows a trip to Minsk by White House envoy John Coale for meetings with dictator Alexander Lukashenko. In exchange, the US has promised to lift sanctions on two Belarusian companies.

Belarusian media quote Coale as saying there are "outstanding issues" to resolve and that more prisoners could be released if the parties succeed in resolving them.

Just over 900 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus. In recent years, several major releases have taken place following negotiations with the US, yet politically motivated arrests have continued at the same time.