Kolesnikova, Babaryko and other freed Belarusian political prisoners are transferred to Ukraine – photo, video
Most of the 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 114 civilians to Ukraine, including five Ukrainian citizens, as was 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 had been held on the territory of the Republic of Belarus."
More details: The representatives of the Belarusian opposition now in Ukraine include former presidential candidate Viktar Babaryko and his ally Maria Kolesnikova, as well as Maryna Zolatava, the editor-in-chief of TUT.by, Belarus's leading independent online news portal.
Photos show that Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, personally met them at the border.
Quote from the Coordination Headquarters: "After they have received the medical care they need, the freed Belarusian citizens will be taken to Poland and Lithuania, if they so choose."
Background:
- The office of self-proclaimed Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko announced the release of 123 political prisoners, saying it was taking 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 has 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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