UK says 'great news' British national freed in Belarus release deal

Julia Fenner was given a long jail term after being detained while entering Belarus in March 2024.

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She had been given a long jail term last month after being detained on the border as she entered Belarus in March 2024.

UK Europe Minister Stephen Doughty said "it is great news that a British national has been brought home".

Fifty-two prisoners were freed from Belarus on Thursday as part of an agreement between US President Donald Trump and authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko, who is a close ally of Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

In exchange for the release of political prisoners, the US said it would relieve some sanctions on Belarusian airline Belavia, allowing the carrier to buy parts for its planes.