Freed in Trump deal: Prisoners in exile tell of brutality behind bars in Belarus

The article discusses the stories of two prisoners who were freed from Belarusian prisons as part of a deal between the authoritarian leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, and former US President Donald Trump. The prisoners, Yuri Zenkovich and Yuri Liashenka, recount the brutal conditions they faced behind bars, including physical abuse and poor living conditions. Zenkovich and Liashenka were arrested in Belarus and held in prisons known for their harsh treatment of inmates. They were eventually released in September 2020 as part of an agreement between Lukashenko and Trump, which allowed the two men to return to the United States. The article highlights the human rights concerns in Belarus and the harsh treatment of prisoners, even those with dual citizenship. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for political freedom and the need for greater accountability in the country's justice system.