• Belarus releases 52 political prisoners following a request from U.S. President Donald Trump.
• The U.S. has lifted some sanctions on Belarus's national airline Belavia as part of the deal.
• Some freed prisoners express a desire to have remained in Belarus rather than face forced deportation.
• Opposition figures call for acknowledgment of the ongoing political repression in Belarus.
• Mikola Statkevich, a prominent dissident, refused to leave Belarus and remains unaccounted for.

Belarus released 52 political prisoners on September 11, 2025, as part of a deal facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump, who described the detainees as "hostages". This move marks the largest batch of releases under President Alexander Lukashenko, who is seeking to repair strained relationships with the West amid sanctions imposed for human rights abuses and support of Russia's aggression in Ukraine, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

In exchange for the prisoner release, the U.S. announced it would ease sanctions on the Belarusian national airline, Belavia, enabling it to service its fleet, including purchasing parts for Boeing aircraft, according to Reuters and Reuters. This diplomatic gesture comes as Lukashenko looks to thaw relations with the U.S. following years of isolation.

However, some of the released prisoners expressed discontent over the conditions of their release, stating they would have preferred to remain in Belarus rather than face what they described as forced deportation. Around half of them were close to completing their sentences, leading to feelings of confusion and separation from their families, as detailed by opposition leaders, according to BBC and Reuters.

Prominent opposition figure Mikola Statkevich was among those released but chose not to cross into Lithuania, opting instead to remain in no man's land between the borders. His refusal has drawn attention, echoing similar actions of other prominent dissidents, indicating the ongoing struggles within Belarus's political climate, as corroborated by India Times and Reuters.

Many of the freed prisoners reported harsh treatment while in custody, including lack of medical care and torture, suggesting systemic human rights violations within Belarusian prisons. They expressed gratitude for their release while also stating their wish to have remained in their home country, highlighting the complexity of their situation as described by Los Angeles Times and BBC.

The political landscape in Belarus remains tense, with close to 1,200 political prisoners reportedly still incarcerated, raising concerns over the future of democracy and human rights in the country, as noted by Los Angeles Times and Reuters.