Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), a longtime champion of human rights and democracy in Belarus and author of landmark U.S. legislation—the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004—welcomed the December 13^th release of 123 political prisoners by the government of Belarus—a release made possible through the energetic efforts of President Trump.

                “I rejoice with everyone released and their families—today, they are free, and God willing, the remaining prisoners in Belarus will be free one day as well,” said Smith.

                Among those freed were Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, prominent opposition figures Maria Kolesnikova and Viktar Babaryka, and one American citizen. Thanks to President Trump’s direct engagement, more than 200 political prisoners have now been released, including several U.S. citizens.

                “As the prime author of the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 and multiple reauthorizations, as well as the current Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025 (HR 3225), I have worked for decades to hold the Lukashenko regime accountable and secure freedom for Belarus’s political prisoners,” stated Smith, who co-chairs the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.

                “Full credit should be given to President Trump for this remarkable achievement—his bold diplomacy and personal engagement have delivered life-saving results for 123 innocent people, who were languishing in brutal detention. Now, they are with their families. I have had the privilege of meeting some of the released prisoners, and their stories of courage amid unimaginable hardship are deeply inspiring,” continued Smith.

                “We must not forget the more than 1,000 political prisoners who remain behind bars in harsh and often life-threatening conditions. Their immediate and unconditional release is clearly a top priority for President Trump. In order to build on the President’s momentum, I plan to hold a congressional hearing in January focused on the remaining prisoners.”

                Smith has led U.S. legislative efforts on Belarus for over two decades, authoring the original Belarus Democracy Act (P.L. 108-347) and subsequent laws—including the Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2006 (HR 5948) and the Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2011 (HR 515)—which impose sanctions on the regime until it releases political prisoners, respects human rights, and moves toward free and fair elections. His current bill, HR 3225, the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025, updates and strengthens these measures.

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