Another 20 Belarusian political prisoners released by Lukashenko arrive in Lithuania

This was reported by Delfi, according to Ukrinform.

The released political prisoners arrived from Ukraine, to which the Belarusian regime had initially transferred them.

The former detainees were met by representatives of the office of Belarusian opposition leader-in-exile Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, members of the Belarusian community living in Lithuania, and opposition figure Sergei Tikhanovsky. They were welcomed with sandwiches, applause, and chants of “Long live Belarus!”. 

According to Tsikhanouskaya’s representative, Denis Kuchynski, the former prisoners need time to adapt, after which they will proceed with further formalities. 

“We know that Lithuania will help. We already have an agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Migration Department that Lithuania is ready to receive our heroes,” Kuchynski added.

As reported by Ukrinform, on December 13, following a meeting with U.S. Special Envoy for Belarus John Cole, Aleksandr Lukashenko released 123 political prisoners. Nine people were taken to Lithuania, while Belarus transferred 114 to Ukraine.

Among those returned were five Ukrainian civilians who had been held in Belarus. In addition, Belarusian citizens imprisoned for political reasons and serving long sentences were handed over to Ukraine. Among them were prominent Belarusian figures, including Maria Kolesnikova, Viktor Babariko, journalist Marina Zolotova, and others. Subsequently, Belarusian citizens were allowed to travel to Poland and Lithuania.

Illustrative photo: VSAT