Key facts
- Belarus released 25 political prisoners on Wednesday.
- The U.S. eased sanctions on two Belarusian companies, Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom.
- U.S. special envoy John Coale announced the deal and expects hundreds more prisoner releases next month.
- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met with envoy John Coale to negotiate the agreement.
- Human rights group Viasna estimates Belarus holds 889 political prisoners.
Belarus freed 25 political prisoners on Wednesday in exchange for the U.S. lifting sanctions on two Belarusian companies, according to U.S. special envoy John Coale. Coale, who met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, stated he hopes to secure the release of hundreds more prisoners during a planned return trip in about a month. The U.S. has lifted sanctions on Lakokraska, a paint and varnish manufacturer, and Bellesbumprom, a state-owned entity in the wood and paper industries. Human rights group Viasna estimates that as of the end of August, Belarus held 889 political prisoners.