UK-Belarus dual citizen Julia Fenner, who is married to a British diplomat, has been released from prison in Belarus as part of a broader exchange agreement involving the United States. Fenner was sentenced to seven years last month after being detained at the border while entering Belarus in March 2024. UK Europe Minister Stephen Doughty expressed relief at her return, referring to it as a positive development.
On the same day, 52 other prisoners were freed from Belarus, following discussions between US President Donald Trump and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. The US has agreed to ease certain sanctions on Belarusian airline Belavia in exchange for the release of these prisoners, which reportedly included trade union leaders, journalists, and activists. However, more than 1,000 political prisoners are believed to remain incarcerated in Belarus.
Fenner had a prior association with the British embassy in Minsk before marrying Martin Fenner, who served as deputy head of mission there in the early 2000s. Rights group Charter 97 classified her as a political prisoner, though the charges against her were not explicitly detailed. She faced accusations under Belarus’s criminal code related to public disorder and extremist activity.
Lukashenko characterized the release of the prisoners as a humanitarian act after his meeting with Trump’s envoy. Exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya acknowledged the role of the US in bringing about the release but cautioned that many political prisoners still face harsh conditions. She highlighted concerns for Mikola Statkevich, a veteran dissident who chose to remain in Belarus, despite the risks.
Lukashenko has dismissed the concept of political prisoners in Belarus, claiming no need for them. His longstanding relationship with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin continues to impact the political landscape, particularly following the controversial presidential election in 2020 that led to significant protests and repression. The recent military exercises involving Belarus and Russia have elevated concerns among neighboring NATO countries.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx27xk9vdd8o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss