UK says 'great news' British national freed in Belarus release deal
Summary
A British national, Julia Fenner, was freed from a Belarusian prison as part of a deal between the US and Belarus, where 52 prisoners were released. This agreement involved the US easing some sanctions on Belarus. The release is part of ongoing political negotiations concerning Belarus.Key Facts
- Julia Fenner, a UK-Belarus dual citizen, was freed from a Belarusian prison.
- She was detained in March 2024 and sentenced to seven years in prison.
- Her release was part of a deal between US President Donald Trump and Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko.
- In exchange for releasing 52 prisoners, the US will reduce sanctions on Belarus's airline, Belavia.
- The released prisoners included trade union leaders, journalists, and activists, but over 1,000 political prisoners remain in Belarus.
- Julia Fenner is married to a British diplomat and previously worked at the British embassy in Minsk.
- Belarusian leader Lukashenko described the release as a humanitarian gesture.
- Belarus's exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya welcomed the release but noted many political prisoners are still detained.
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