Introduction
Sergei Tikhanovsky, Belarusian opposition leader’s husband urges Trump Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, made a direct appeal to former US President Donald Trump after being released from nearly five years of solitary confinement. Speaking emotionally in Vilnius, Lithuania, Tikhanovsky urged Trump to help free more than 1,100 political prisoners still jailed in Belarus.
Tikhanovsky’s Unexpected Release
Tikhanovsky was among 14 political prisoners unexpectedly freed on Saturday after years of harsh imprisonment. The release coincided with a rare diplomatic visit by US special envoy Keith Kellogg to Minsk, Belarus, for talks with President Alexander Lukashenko. Analysts see this as a possible diplomatic breakthrough for Lukashenko, who has faced years of international isolation for suppressing dissent and supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Belarusian opposition leader.
Horrific Solitary Confinement Experience
During his press conference, Tikhanovsky described his five-year ordeal in solitary confinement. He was completely cut off from the outside world — no letters, no phone calls, no lawyer, not even a toothbrush. Breaking down in tears, he called the conditions “inhuman” and described them as torture. “Murderers get to watch TV in prison. I didn’t even get letters or soap. It’s a nightmare,” he said. His appearance had changed so drastically that his own daughter barely recognized him upon reunion Belarusian opposition leader.
A Direct Appeal to Donald Trump
During the emotional press event, Tikhanovsky turned directly to Donald Trump: “Trump has such power and such possibilities, that with one word he could free all political prisoners. I ask him to say that word now.” His call reflects hopes that US influence can help pressure Lukashenko’s government into further prisoner releases.
The Role of Svetlana Tikhanovskaya
Standing beside her husband, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya—who took up the opposition leadership after her husband’s arrest—also grew emotional. She called Sergei her “personal hero” and reaffirmed her position as leader of Belarus’s democratic opposition abroad. “The leader of the opposition is Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, my wife, and I don’t make any claim to anything,” Tikhanovsky clarified, stressing unity in their cause Belarusian opposition leader.
Belarus’s Political Prison Crisis
Since Lukashenko’s disputed re-election in 2020, Belarus has seen a brutal crackdown on opposition protests. According to the human rights group Viasna, over 1,100 political prisoners remain incarcerated. Tens of thousands have been detained for political reasons over the past five years, while hundreds of thousands have fled the country fearing persecution.
Diplomatic Leverage and Sanctions
Many analysts believe Lukashenko hopes these prisoner releases will lead to easing of Western sanctions. According to Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, Lukashenko only received one diplomatic concession from the United States in exchange for the release: the visit from Kellogg. However, both Tikhanovsky and Tikhanovskaya emphasized that sanctions should only be lifted when all political prisoners are freed, and democratic reforms begin.
A Message of Hope to Belarusians
Despite years of suffering, Tikhanovsky remained defiant. He raised his fist in the press conference, saying: “I want to say to all Belarusians – if you were waiting for a symbol, this is it.” His release may serve as a new rallying cry for Belarus’s pro-democracy movement, which remains active despite heavy repression.
International Reactions
The international community has cautiously welcomed the releases but continues to pressure Belarus for broader reforms. EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, have called for the release of all political prisoners. Human rights organizations stress that hundreds still remain behind bars under harsh conditions, and many exiled Belarusians continue advocating globally for democratic change.
Conclusion
Sergei Tikhanovsky’s release offers a rare glimmer of hope for Belarus’s embattled opposition. However, his passionate plea to Donald Trump underscores how much work remains to free the remaining prisoners and pressure Lukashenko’s regime toward reform. The world is watching closely as diplomatic channels reopen and families remain desperate for reunification with their loved ones.
Call to Action: Follow updates on ongoing developments at Belarus frees jailed opposition leader Tikhanovsky and continue to support international efforts for full democratic reforms in Belarus.
Related External Resources
- Reuters: Belarus opposition couple keep fighting for release
- AP News: Freed Belarusian dissident speaks on harsh prison conditions
- Washington Post: Belarus releases dissident after US envoy visit
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