Statement of the BNYC “RADA” on the release of 52 prisoners

On 11 September 2025 it became known that 52 people were released, including 40 political prisoners: politicians, journalists, activists, citizens of European countries, as well as at least seven young people. The clemency took place against the backdrop of negotiations between Lukashenka and an American delegation headed by Donald Trump’s representative John Coale. Coale’s previous visit to Belarus was on 21 June 2025, after which Siarhei Tsikhanouski was released. The freed political prisoners were immediately taken to Lithuania.

The Belarusian National Youth Council “RADA” welcomes the news of the release of 40 people imprisoned for political reasons in Belarusian prisons. This is a step that gives thousands of Belarusians hope for freedom, justice, and a return to democratic values.

This release took place in the context of negotiations between the Belarusian regime and Western partners, including the United States of America and the Republic of Lithuania. We are sincerely grateful to the diplomats of the US and Lithuania for their principled stance, persistence, and commitment to the principles of human rights. Their contribution truly matters for the lives of specific people and for the entire democratic community of Belarus.

On the same day, the leader of the “Narodnaya Hramada” (the Belarusian Social Democratic) party, Mikalai Statkevich, sentenced to 14 years, refused to travel to Lithuania and returned to Belarus. His current whereabouts are unknown. In addition, several political prisoners stated that they wished to return home or were considering the possibility of returning. We believe that the forced expulsion of former political prisoners is yet another violation of human rights in Belarus. Every person has the right to live in the country of which they are a citizen. Citizens of Belarus have the right to move freely within Belarus, to leave it, and to return without hindrance.

At the same time, we remind that hundreds of political prisoners still remain in Belarus. The release of all of them without exception is a necessary condition for the beginning of real change in the country.

The Belarusian National Youth Council “RADA” continues to insist on:

• the immediate and unconditional release of all unjustly convicted prisoners in Belarus with full rehabilitation;
• the restoration of opportunities for free civic and political activity in Belarus.

Belarusian youth deserve a future without prisons, violence, and fear. Together with the efforts of our partners, we can achieve a free future for Belarusian youth.

Long live Belarus!