Fact Check: "Released prisoners have been taken to Lithuania for safety."
What We Know
Recent reports confirm that several political prisoners from Belarus were released and subsequently taken to Lithuania for their safety. On February 12, 2025, the White House announced the release of three prisoners, including an American citizen and a journalist working for a U.S.-funded radio station (NPR). Furthermore, a later statement from the Lithuanian Foreign Minister confirmed that fourteen political prisoners, including prominent opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanousky, were also released and were now "safe in Lithuania" (LRT).
The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the cooperation of the Lithuanian government in facilitating the safe passage of these prisoners, emphasizing their role as a true ally (State Department). The freed prisoners were reportedly transported to Lithuania by car shortly after their release (New York Times).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that released prisoners have been taken to Lithuania for safety is robust. Multiple credible sources, including the White House and international news outlets, corroborate the details of the prisoners' release and their subsequent relocation to Lithuania. The involvement of high-ranking officials, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Keith Kellogg, adds to the reliability of the information, as these figures are directly engaged in diplomatic efforts regarding Belarus (State Department, New York Times).
Additionally, the confirmation from Lithuania's Foreign Minister enhances the credibility of the claim, as it comes from an official source directly involved in the situation. The fact that these prisoners were transported to Lithuania shortly after their release indicates a coordinated effort to ensure their safety, aligning with the broader context of political repression in Belarus, where many activists remain imprisoned (Reuters, LRT).
While the sources are generally reliable, it is essential to consider the potential for bias, especially in politically charged contexts. However, the consistency across various independent reports mitigates concerns regarding misinformation.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that released prisoners have been taken to Lithuania for safety is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The coordinated efforts between the U.S. and Lithuanian governments to facilitate the safe relocation of these individuals confirm the accuracy of the statement.
Sources
- Welcoming the Release of U.S. Citizen and Political Prisoners from Captivity in Belarus - State Department
- Trump Sends Envoy to Belarus, Courting Ties With Russia - New York Times
- Belarus has released 3 from prison, including an American and a journalist - NPR
- Belarus releases three detainees, including an American - Reuters
- منيو التوصيل من بيتزا وباستا روعة المذاق في غبيرة | هنقرستيشن السعودية - Hunger Station
- Belarus opposition leader 'safe in Lithuania' - minister - LRT
- Kęstutis Budrys on X: "Today, 14 political prisoners" - X
- جائع? تحقق من بابا جونز بالقرب منك وتذوق البيتزا التوقيع لدينا! - Papa John's
