Kolesnikova, Babaryko and other freed Belarusian political prisoners are transferred to Ukraine – photo
Most Belarusian political prisoners freed on Saturday 13 December have been transferred to Ukraine, including one of the most high-profile detainees, former presidential candidate Viktar Babaryko and his ally Maria Kolesnikova.
Source: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Belarus transferred a total of 114 civilians to Ukraine, including five Ukrainian citizens, as has been reported earlier.
Quote: "As a result of prior agreements and effective negotiations with Belarus, at the request and with the assistance of our American partners and the work of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Ukraine has received over 114 civilians, including Ukrainians who were held on the territory of the Republic of Belarus."
More details: Representatives of the Belarusian opposition now in Ukraine include former presidential candidate Viktar Babaryko and his ally Maria Kolesnikova, editor-in-chief of the TUT.by, Belarus's leading independent online news portal, Maryna Zolatava and Maria Aleksandrova.
Photos show that Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine personally met them at the border.
Quote from the Coordination Headquarters: "After they receive the needed medical care, the freed Belarusian citizens will be taken to Poland and Lithuania, if they so choose."
Background:
- Alexander Lukashenko's office announced the release of 123 political prisoners, saying it took place "as part of arrangements with the president of the United States and at his request" in connection with the lifting of US sanctions.
- It was reported on 13 December that the United States had lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash.
- On 4 November, the US Treasury Department eased certain sanctions on Belarus, lifting restrictions on the national airline and permitting operations connected to Lukashenko's aircraft.
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