Rep. Chris Smith (R-Toms River), who has represented New Jersey’s 4th district in Congress since 1981, welcomed the recent release of 123 political prisoners by the government of Belarus. The release, which took place on December 13, included Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, opposition figures Maria Kolesnikova and Viktar Babaryka, and one American citizen.
Smith credited former President Donald Trump for his involvement in securing the release. “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.
He added: “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.”
Smith also stated: “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.”
He noted that more than 200 political prisoners have now been released due to these efforts but pointed out that over 1,000 remain detained. “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 played a significant role in U.S. legislative efforts regarding Belarus over several decades. He authored key legislation such as the original Belarus Democracy Act (P.L. 108-347) as well as subsequent reauthorization acts imposing sanctions on Belarus until it releases all political prisoners and moves toward democratic reforms.
Smith was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953 and currently lives in Manchester Township. He graduated from The College of New Jersey with a BS degree in 1975.
