US Envoy Expects Belarus to Free Large Prisoner Group, With 878 Still Detained
Updated
Updated · nashaniva.com · Aug 23
US Envoy Expects Belarus to Free Large Prisoner Group, With 878 Still Detained
2 articles · Updated · nashaniva.com · Aug 23
Summary
John Cole said he expects Belarus to release a large group of political prisoners soon, signaling a possible new round of frees after a five-month pause.
438 prisoners were released after earlier U.S. delegation visits—14 on June 21, 2025, 51 on Sept. 11, 123 on Dec. 13 and 250 on March 19, 2026.
The last release came in mid-March, and human rights defenders now say 878 political prisoners remain in Belarus.
Cole’s comments point to continued U.S. diplomatic engagement with Minsk, with any new release likely watched as a test of whether that channel is still producing results.