Ilya Jaszyn is a Russian opposition figure who was released in a recent prisoner exchange with the West. During a meeting with his supporters in Vilnius, he suggested that Alexander Lukashenko releases political prisoners only because of sanctions affecting the regime.
– As it was explained to me, he literally exchanges people for airplane parts. He has a problem with Belavia, he has to fix the plane and he needs some parts that he cannot get because of the sanctions – he emphasized.
Lukashenka trades prisoners for parts? He has a problem with his lines
Belavia is a state-owned airline that operates domestic and international flights. Belavia's fleet consists mainly of Boeing and Embraer aircraft. After the introduction of international sanctions against Belarusairlines have limited opportunities to purchase spare parts.
The government plane used by Alexander Lukashenko on official trips is the most common Boeing 767-300ER. It is a luxuriously equipped machine, adapted for long-distance flights.
However, Yashin assessed that Lukashenko “will not exchange for aircraft parts” leading figures of the Belarusian opposition such as Mary Kalesnikava i Siarhiej Cichanouski– Well, let Putin put pressure on him. Then they will come to an understanding there, he said.
The unexpected effect of Western sanctions. “The regime cannot bypass them”
Historian and political commentator Aleksandr Fridman commented on these reports on social media. He believes that the version about the exchange of prisoners for parts is likely.
“Political prisoners are released in small groups, and Lukashenko is not the person who will take such a step, without getting anything in return. It cannot be ruled out that it is indeed about parts. In such a case, the sanctions are in effect and the regime is unable to bypass them,” the expert points out.
Fridman also recalled numerous historical examples trade in political prisonersas was the case for example in the GDR or Romania in the times of socialism.
The latest wave of political prisoner releases in Belarus was reported on September 16, when 37 people were released. In four such waves, starting from July 3, 115 people were released from prison.