Rumours of a major prisoner release from Belarus had been swirling for a couple of days.
But no one would reveal the names on the list, or the exact number, until everyone was safely out, finally free.
In total,123 political prisoners have been released, including some of the best-known names among Belarusian opposition politicians, human rights activists and journalists.
Maria Kolesnikova, the protest leader with a famous red-lipsticked smile, was on the release list.
A video of her jumping for joy and hugging other former prisoners, overjoyed to be reunited, was soon flying around social media. Then came another, on a bus out of Belarus, where she thanked everyone who'd helped bring this moment about.
