Human rights groups estimate that Belarusian prisons currently hold more than 1,300 political prisoners. More than 120 detainees were released last week, according to opposition figures. About 20 of those freed have asked Lithuania for humanitarian visas and plan to stay in the country.
Among those released was an 18-year-old, the youngest of the group, who was detained at Minsk airport a day after his birthday. He was allegedly attempting to travel to join Ukrainian forces.
Former detainees described beatings, sleep deprivation and psychological abuse while in custody.
“When I entered the office, they put a bag over my head and forced me face down on a table while they searched me,” said Aliaxei Kaplich, a former political prisoner. “The first interrogation started on the day of my arrest and lasted until 4 a.m. I spent 12 days in that office, and no one knew where I was.”
Another former prisoner, Maksim Senik, said detainees were treated “like animals”.
“I was beaten and not allowed to sleep,” Senik said. “Later I was transferred to another unit where they didn’t beat me, but they poured water on me or hid my blanket.”
Senik said Belarus’ KGB later offered him freedom in exchange for cooperating as an informant abroad.
“They wanted me to go overseas and collect information for them,” he said.
The opposition said Minsk imposed conditions on the release process, requiring foreign nationals and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski to be sent directly to Lithuania, while Belarusian citizens were deported to Ukraine.
“I think Lukashenko wants to create problems,” said Franak Viachorka, chief of staff to opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. “Even when releasing people, deporting them, he tries to cause chaos. Sending people without documents to Ukraine caused enormous stress and hardship.”
Of the 123 people released last week, most plan to remain in Poland, about 20 intend to stay in Lithuania, and several have already gone to Germany, according to opposition figures. Many expressed gratitude to Lithuania and Ukraine for helping them after their release.
“Ukraine gave us a corridor and sheltered us for several days, even during wartime,” one former prisoner said.
Several also publicly thanked US President Donald Trump.
“Thank you, Mr Trump,” said Hana Kurys, a former political prisoner. “I am very grateful to Donald Trump that I celebrated my 23rd birthday not in a penal colony, but in freedom.”
Viachorka said US officials hope to secure the release of all political prisoners, possibly beginning as soon as next month, though he cautioned the process could take longer.
“They say they hope to free everyone next month,” he said. “Most likely, it will take several months.”
He added that the number of political prisoners has continued to rise despite recent releases.
“There were about 1,300 prisoners, but in the past six months there are 200 more,” Viachorka said.
As Minsk releases political prisoners, the United States has eased some sanctions, including restrictions on Belarus’ state airline Belavia and exports of Belarusian potash.
Tsikhanouskaya said sanctions should remain in place as long as repression continues.
“Sanctions must remain against the regime while repression and terror against Belarusians persist,” she said.
Belarusian opposition figures warned that as long as repression continues, releases may only be temporary.
“As long as the doors remain open, some will be released – and others will be arrested,” Viachorka said.
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