Sergei Tikhanovsky Emerges from Belarus Prison, Vows to Fight for Democracy

Sergei Tikhanovsky, an imprisoned opposition figure, shares his harrowing experiences from years in solitary confinement in Belarus and expresses his unwavering commitment to fighting for democracy after his recent release.

Sergei Tikhanovsky has just emerged from over five years in a Belarusian prison, where he endured solitary confinement for opposing the regime of Alexander Lukashenko. Once a prominent opposition blogger, Tikhanovsky’s transformation post-release is pronounced—he looks markedly different, having lost almost 60 kg during his time behind bars. Despite his physical changes, he remains determined and unbroken in spirit.

Meeting in Vilnius shortly after his unexpected release, Tikhanovsky described the mental toll of being unable to speak or communicate during his imprisonment. "The hardest thing was the restriction on speaking," he explained, recalling the isolation he faced. His release, which coincided with a visit from a senior US delegation to Belarus, has reignited hope among those who support democracy in the country.

Reuniting with his family was an emotional moment for Tikhanovsky. His daughter, who was only two when he was imprisoned, could not recognize him, but their reunion was joyous and filled with long embraces. Reflecting on the rigors of his imprisonment, he recounted how he was often subjected to inhumane conditions, including long stays in punishment cells without basic necessities.

Before his incarceration, Tikhanovsky was an outspoken figure in Belarusian politics, using his platform to highlight the regime's abuses. He also attempted to run for president in the 2020 elections, which were marked by widespread claims of fraud and resulted in mass protests against the government. His wife, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, later took up the presidential mantle in his absence and gained significant support before fleeing Belarus.

Despite his painful past, Tikhanovsky expressed his resolve to fight against the authoritarian regime, which he now knows firsthand. He revealed that he never contemplated confessing to any crimes during his time in prison, seeing it as a betrayal of those who stood by him. Encouraged by his newfound freedom, he is eager to advocate for the release of other political prisoners, of which over a thousand remain incarcerated in Belarus.

Although Tikhanovsky's first week of freedom has been filled with activity—attending meetings, giving speeches, and reconnecting with his children—he emphasizes the need for continued pressure on Lukashenko's regime, particularly regarding international sanctions. His wife, now a prominent leader in the opposition, stresses the importance of maintaining strict sanctions until severe repressions in Belarus cease.

As he navigates a new normal in a rapidly changing political landscape, Tikhanovsky reiterated his commitment to a future that embraces democracy for all Belarusians, saying, "I just want a democratic Belarus."