Belarus freed 25 prisoners as the US lifted sanctions on two firms
Al Jazeera said Belarus freed 25 political prisoners and that envoy John Coale announced US sanctions relief for Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom, with those released taken to Vilnius. The Los Angeles Times, by Yuras Karmanau, reported the same 16 September interim deal.
Geopolitics··Midday
Twenty-five people left for Vilnius
Al Jazeera reported that Belarus on Wednesday freed 25 political prisoners and that US envoy John Coale, after his latest visit to Minsk, announced the lifting of US sanctions on two Belarusian firms. Those freed included human-rights campaigners, political activists, journalists and lawyers, and they were taken to Vilnius. The Los Angeles Times, in a 16 September 08:08 PT piece by Yuras Karmanau, said Coale reported Belarus freed 25 prisoners on 16 September 2026 in an interim deal, with arrivals in Vilnius.[1], [2]
Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom are the two firms
Al Jazeera named the firms as Lakokraska, a paint and industrial-coating manufacturer, and Bellesbumprom, a state-owned concern overseeing forestry, pulp and paper. The Los Angeles Times likewise said the interim deal lifted US sanctions on Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom. Coale, in Al Jazeera's account, said he hoped to return in about a month seeking the release of hundreds more. The Times said further prisoner releases and sanctions relief were to follow once details are settled.[1], [2]
Opposition calls it a trade, not a thaw
The Los Angeles Times said Coale called the releases proof of Trump's direct diplomacy. Opposition figures, in that account, warn that Alyaksandr Lukashenko trades people while repression continues. Al Jazeera's retained desk copy does not add a new prisoner census beyond the 25 who left; the hundreds more remain Coale's stated aim, not a completed second tranche.[2], [1]
