White home spokeswoman Karolina Leavitt confirmed on Wednesday release from the Belarusian prison of 3 people – 1 American and 2 Belarusians, not giving details of the operation.
However, the ringing of mystery was lifted by the leader of the Belarusian opposition Swiatlana Cichanouskawho reported that among the freed is an activist in mediocre wellness Alena Maushuk.
In addition to her, the writer Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) was besides released. Andrei Kuznechyk. Personality of a freed U.S. citizen was not made public. All 3 are now in Lithuania’s capital Vilnius.
Belarus freed 3 political prisoners
In a message published by RFE/RL president Stephen Capus stressed that Wednesday is "A happy day for Andrei, his wife and 2 small children".
“After over 3 years of separation, this household is back together Thanks to president Trump“ He added.
SEE: Russian drones crossed 2 boundaries. "Exploded in our territory"
According to RFE/RL, Kuznechyk was initially sentenced to 10 days in prison on grounds of hooliganism, after which he was charged with setting up an extremist group and He was sentenced to six years.
His case is seen as part of a wider run of repression against independent media and civilian society groups in Belarus.
“Great day for the America team”
US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald in a CNN interview identified the release of 3 people held by the Belarusian government as "a large day for the American team, for the president and Secretary of State".
On the another hand, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for east Europe, Chris Smith described the details of the case by referring to “special operations” during which he and another American officials “passed the Belarusian border and went to Minsk to meet with the decision-makers there who brought 3 detainees to them”.
– They were handed over to us, and we We brought them to Lithuania – CNN reported.
Russia released the prisoner. Marc Fogel met with Donald Trump
The dismissal of detainees from Belarus occurred the day after Russia released an American teacher Marc FogelWho spent more than 3 years in prison.
63-year-old Fogel served time 14 years imprisonment for drug trafficking after being detained at Moscow airport with a tiny amount of marijuana, transported for medical purposes. On Tuesday, he returned by plane to Washington and met with president Donald Trump.
SEE: Russia freed a U.S. citizen. Donald Trump: In return Moscow received little
According to American officials, in exchange for his release, The United States is to send a convicted criminal to Russia. Alexander Winnik. He was arrested in 2017 in Greece on charges of cryptocurrency fraud, then extradited to the US, where he confessed last year.
Officials have stated that he is in custody in California and is awaiting transport to Russia. The Kremlin confirmed that a Russian citizen would be released in exchange for Fogel, but refused to identify him until he arrived in Russia.
