Belarus Frees Anastassia Nuhfer in Gesture of Goodwill Amid Controversial Election

Jan 26, 2025, 05:23 PM

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the release of American citizen Anastassia Nuhfer from a Belarusian prison. Nuhfer, 48, was detained in December 2024 during the Biden administration, reportedly linked to protests in 2020. The reasons for her detention remain unclear. Her release was described as a unilateral gesture of goodwill by Belarus, coinciding with the country's controversial presidential election. President Alexander Lukashenko, often referred to as "Europe's last dictator," is expected to secure another term amid accusations of election manipulation and a crackdown on dissent. The U.S. State Department credited its diplomatic efforts, including the involvement of Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher Smith, in securing Nuhfer's release. This development highlights ongoing tensions between Belarus and Western nations over human rights and democratic practices.