U.S.-Brokered Release Of 52 Belarus Prisoners Sparks Forced-Exile Fears — One Dissident Refuses To Leave

Belarus pardoned and released 52 prisoners after a U.S. appeal; most were transferred to Lithuania, prompting criticism that pardons are functioning as forced exile. Prominent dissident Mikola Statkevich refused to cross into Lithuania and reportedly returned to Belarus, highlighting rights concerns and potential coercion in the releases.