Released from a high-security prison after five years, opposition figure Sergei Tikhanovsky shares his harrowing experiences of solitary confinement while expressing determination to fight for democracy in Belarus. Despite significant physical changes, his spirit remains unbroken, and he hopes for the release of over 1,000 other political prisoners.
Sergei Tikhanovsky Emerges from Belarus Prison Unbroken, Advocates for Fellow Detainees
Sergei Tikhanovsky Emerges from Belarus Prison Unbroken, Advocates for Fellow Detainees
After five years of imprisonment in a Belarusian jail, opposition leader Sergei Tikhanovsky speaks out about his ordeal and advocates for the release of his fellow political prisoners.
After five years in a Belarusian prison, opposition figure Sergei Tikhanovsky has been released and is speaking out about his experiences. Held in solitary confinement for daring to oppose President Alexander Lukashenko, Tikhanovsky’s release came after a senior US delegation engaged with the authoritarian regime, resulting in the freedom of him and thirteen other prisoners.
In a recent meeting in Vilnius, Sergei recalled the severe isolation he endured, stating, "The restriction on speaking was the hardest thing." He described the struggle of being in a confined space with no communication, revealing that talking to his family felt almost impossible. The emotional reunion with his daughter, who didn't recognize him due to his dramatic weight loss, brought him to tears as the two embraced after years apart.
Since his incarceration began in 2020, Tikhanovsky transformed from a robust opposition activist into a gaunt figure, losing nearly 132 pounds while in prison. He highlighted the harsh treatment faced by political prisoners, including punishment cells where basic comforts were stripped away. During his time locked away, he stood firm in his beliefs, refusing to confess to crimes he didn’t commit, even when facing extended punishment.
In recent events, amid Lukashenko's attempts to improve his international stance through political prisoner releases, Tikhanovsky welcomed the news of freedom but expressed deep concern for those still behind bars. "I think we should pay any price to get them all out," he urged, underscoring the grim conditions many prisoners face.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, Sergei's wife who stepped up as an opposition leader during his imprisonment, echoed concerns about maintaining pressure on Lukashenko until all repressions cease. Both she and Sergei emphasize the need for ongoing resistance against authoritarian rule.
Now free, Sergei is quickly engaging with political figures while reconnecting with his family and catching up on missed news. He maintains that his focus remains on the struggle for democracy in Belarus and that he has no aspirations to overshadow his wife’s political role. "I just need a democratic Belarus," he stated, a clear indication of his commitment to the cause of freedom for his country.
