In a surprising turn of events, Sergei Tikhanovsky, husband of prominent Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, has been unexpectedly released from prison. The release occurred alongside the liberation of several other political prisoners, totaling at least ten individuals. Tikhanovsky has been moved to Lithuania where he will reunite with Tikhanovskaya, who has been living in exile in Vilnius.
Belarusian Opposition Leader's Husband Released from Prison Amid Political Turmoil
Belarusian Opposition Leader's Husband Released from Prison Amid Political Turmoil
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's husband, Sergei Tikhanovsky, is freed alongside several political prisoners; a ray of hope amidst ongoing repression.
The release follows a visit to Minsk by U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg, who met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Social media footage shared by Tikhanovskaya’s representatives shows the emotional reunion between the couple, albeit with Tikhanovsky appearing gaunt from his time in custody. "My husband … is free! It's hard to describe the joy in my heart," expressed Tikhanovskaya on X, acknowledging the support from various international leaders. Despite this victory, she reiterated the urgency of addressing the plight of over 1,150 political prisoners still behind bars in Belarus. Among the released prisoners were five Belarusian nationals, alongside citizens from Japan, Poland, and Sweden. The Lithuanian foreign minister affirmed that the released individuals are now receiving necessary care in Lithuania.
Significantly, Maria Kolesnikova, another key figure in the opposition movement who was imprisoned following the 2020 protests, remains incarcerated. Tikhanovskaya previously stepped into the political spotlight in August 2020, contesting the presidential elections after her husband was arrested. Despite her claims of winning the election, results were largely disputed, and she was forced to flee shortly thereafter. The release of these political prisoners serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing unrest in Belarus, where extensive crackdowns have led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands since 2020. According to human rights group Viasna, tens of thousands have faced arrest for political reasons in the past five years.
Significantly, Maria Kolesnikova, another key figure in the opposition movement who was imprisoned following the 2020 protests, remains incarcerated. Tikhanovskaya previously stepped into the political spotlight in August 2020, contesting the presidential elections after her husband was arrested. Despite her claims of winning the election, results were largely disputed, and she was forced to flee shortly thereafter. The release of these political prisoners serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing unrest in Belarus, where extensive crackdowns have led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands since 2020. According to human rights group Viasna, tens of thousands have faced arrest for political reasons in the past five years.
