Belarusian Activists Seek Answers on Prisoner Swap Exclusions

Belarusian rights activists questioned German authorities on the exclusion of Belarusian political prisoners, including opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava, from a major prisoner swap. Despite significant negotiation efforts involving Germany and the U.S., prominent figures like Kalesnikava remain imprisoned, raising concerns about the deal's scope and fairness.

Belarusian rights activists have demanded explanations from Germany regarding the absence of Belarusian political prisoners in a significant prisoner swap concluded on Thursday, the largest since the Cold War. Among those overlooked was Maria Kalesnikava, a key opposition leader detained since September 2020.

Activists, including Kalesnikava's sister, Tatsiana Khomich, criticized the exclusion, especially given Germany's and U.S.'s involvement in the exchange of a Russian state hitman for various prisoners of conscience. Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the negotiation as difficult but necessary for securing the release of prisoners and a German on death row.

Kalesnikava, recognized for her strong ties to Germany, remains in prison, serving an 11-year sentence on charges deemed politically motivated by rights groups. Inquiries continue as to why she and others were not included in the deal, despite clear negotiation efforts with the Belarusian regime.

(With inputs from agencies.)