Belarus has released Youras Ziankovich, a U.S. citizen and lawyer with dual Belarusian-American nationality, who had been imprisoned for over three years on charges widely condemned as politically motivated. Ziankovich was arrested in Russia in April 2021 and later transferred to Belarus, where he was sentenced to 13.5 years in prison on allegations of plotting to assassinate President Alexander Lukashenko and overthrow the government. The U.S. government had designated him as wrongfully detained .
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Ziankovich’s release, acknowledging it as a “humanitarian gesture” by President Lukashenko and expressing gratitude to Lithuania for its assistance in facilitating the release . Ziankovich is expected to return to the United States soon.
The Belarusian opposition has expressed caution regarding the release, urging the U.S. not to make concessions to Lukashenko. Franak Viacorka, an adviser to exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, emphasized that while the release is welcome, it should not be mistaken as a sign of broader political reform, noting that over 1,200 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus .
Ziankovich’s case highlights ongoing concerns about political repression and human rights abuses in Belarus, where authorities have been criticized for suppressing dissent and curbing freedoms. Despite the release, the situation for political prisoners in the country remains dire, with many still facing harsh conditions and uncertain futures.
Belarusian American Lawyer Youras Ziankovich Picture on Wikimedia by Ziankovich
