Belarusian Opposition Leader's Call to Trump: Free the Political Prisoners

Following his release from solitary confinement, Sergei Tikhanovsky appeals to Donald Trump for assistance in securing the freedom of over 1,000 political prisoners in Belarus. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle against the Belarusian regime, as opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya reflects on the sacrifices endured by her family.

Sergei Tikhanovsky, the husband of Belarus' prominent opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, has sent a poignant plea to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to “just say the word” in the fight for the release of all political prisoners in Belarus. Tikhanovsky, recently freed after five years of solitary confinement, expressed his desire for the liberation of those still held behind bars during a heartfelt press conference in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The release of Tikhanovsky and thirteen other political activists came amid a rare visit by U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg to Minsk, where he met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. This marked a significant moment as it was the first high-profile American diplomatic engagement with the authoritarian leader in years.

At the emotional conference, Tikhanovsky reflected on the traumatic experiences he endured during his imprisonment, describing the isolation and deprivation he faced. “You don't even get letters, not a single call. For five years, I couldn't even go to confession with a priest,” he lamented, struggling to articulate the horror of his circumstances. He labeled his experience a “nightmare” and demanded action to cease what he called inhumane treatment of prisoners.

The 2020 arrest of Tikhanovsky occurred as he intended to challenge Lukashenko in the presidential elections, a campaign that sparked widespread protests. Following his arrest and the subsequent brutal crackdown on dissent, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya emerged as the leader of the opposition. She courageously took his place in the elections, and despite the brutal repression, her supporters rallied in large numbers.

In the wake of his release, Tikhanovsky declared that he did not desire leadership within the opposition abroad, emphasizing his support for his wife’s efforts. “The leader of the opposition is my wife, and I don’t make any claim to anything,” he affirmed, raising a fist of defiance during his speech.

Facing immense challenges, Belarus continues to see hundreds of thousands of its citizens fleeing in search of safety and freedom. Human rights organizations like Viasna report that tens of thousands have been arrested for political reasons, underscoring the ongoing struggle under Lukashenko's regime. Tikhanovsky's powerful call for help amplifies the voices of many in Belarus advocating for democracy and human rights.