Freed Belarus opposition leaders delay public appearance to recover

BERLIN, Dec 22 (Reuters) - ⁠Belarusian opposition ⁠leaders ‍Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka, freed this month after five years in ‍prison, said they need more time ​to recover before speaking publicly.

The pair, prominent figures in ​the movement that challenged President Alexander Lukashenko in a disputed 2020 election, were released on December 13 as ​part of a deal under which the U.S. lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash ​in exchange for their freedom.

They had been expected to give ‌a news conference in Berlin on Tuesday.

"Maria and Viktar need some time to ​recover and to reconnect ⁠with their loved ones," Kalesnikava's sister Tatsiana Khomich told Reuters. "After the New ‌Year, we will get back with a format that will allow for the broadest possible participation."

The ‌two were imprisoned on what Western observers said were ‌trumped-up political charges. Human rights activists said they had been subjected to degrading treatment and undergone serious ‍health emergencies during their time in detention.

Last week Germany announced that ⁠it would grant residency to the pair, part of a policy of allowing prominent prisoners of conscience residence on their release.

(Reporting by Thomas EscrittEditing by Ros Russell)

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