Freed Opposition Leader Sergei Tikhanovsky Vows to Fight for Belarusian Freedom

Sergei Tikhanovsky, a prominent opposition figure in Belarus, reflects on his harrowing experience of five years in prison after his release, maintaining strong convictions to advocate for democratic processes in his home country.

After five years of relentless confinement in a Belarusian prison, opposition leader Sergei Tikhanovsky has emerged unbroken and ready to continue his fight for the liberation of Belarus. Holding steadfast to his beliefs, Tikhanovsky recounts the challenges of isolation that pushed him to the brink, yet his spirit flourished despite the physical toll.

Meeting with reporters shortly after his unexpected release, he shared that the absence of human contact and communication was the greatest trial he faced during his imprisonment. "Not being able to speak or write, trapped in a cell, that was the hardest part," Tikhanovsky said amidst tears, as he recounted reuniting with his daughter, who initially did not recognize him after his drastic weight loss of nearly 60 kg.

Tikhanovsky had been one of the most recognizable political prisoners in Belarus since he was arrested during the 2020 presidential election campaigns. Prior to his detention, he built a considerable following through his YouTube platform, where he openly documented citizens' grievances and the government's failings. He attempted to run for office but was detained amid rising nationwide protests following the election, which saw the long-time ruler Alexander Lukashenko claim a dubious victory.

Throughout his time in prison, Tikhanovsky faced harsh treatment, frequently placed in punishment cells for minor infractions. He was cut off from contact with the outside world, routinely denied letters or phone calls, and even access to religious counsel. He survived the grueling conditions by focusing solely on detaching from thoughts of his family and friends. "You have to set those thoughts aside to survive," Tikhanovsky said, recalling countless nights spent keeping warm through physical exercises.

The catalyst for his release came unexpectedly when a senior U.S. delegation intervened in the political landscape, securing Tikhanovsky's freedom along with 13 other political detainees as part of broader negotiations with the Lukashenko administration. Tikhanovsky expressed gratitude for their assistance but remained concerned for the more than 1,000 political prisoners still in custody.

Now that he is reunited with his family and has witnessed the ongoing repression faced by his compatriots, Tikhanovsky is determined to advocate for their freedom. Speaking poignantly about the prisoners still behind bars, he declared, "I would give anything to see them released," emphasizing a hesitance to compromise on sanctions against the Belarusian government until meaningful changes in human rights practices occur.

As the Tikhanovsky family navigates this new chapter, his wife Svetlana, who has stepped into a leadership role for the opposition, warns against premature easing of sanctions, noting that repression continues even as some prisoners have been freed. The couple's journey forward, intertwined with their shared vision for a democratic Belarus, remains fueled by their experiences of suffering, resilience, and hope for a better future.