**Belarusian Opposition Leader's Husband Calls for Global Support Against Political Repression**

*After his unexpected release from prison, Tikhanovsky pleads with Donald Trump to leverage his influence for the release of over 1,000 political prisoners, shining a light on the ongoing human rights abuses in Belarus.*

Sergei Tikhanovsky, the husband of Belarus' famed opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, has made an urgent appeal to US leaders, calling on former President Donald Trump to "just say the word" to secure the freedom of all political prisoners in Belarus. Tikhanovsky was released from an oppressive five-year imprisonment on Saturday and has since been reunited with his wife in Lithuania. His release coincided with a visit from US special envoy Keith Kellogg to the Belarusian capital, Minsk, where he met with the authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko.

In a heartfelt press conference following his release, Tikhanovsky recounted his harrowing experiences in solitary confinement, recounting moments of deep despair that included a complete severance from the outside world. "You don't even get letters, not a single call," Tikhanovsky shared sobbingly, describing how even basic needs like soap and toothpaste were denied to him during his violent incarceration. He expressed outrage at the treatment he and others continue to endure, stating, "It's inhuman. It's a nightmare."

Tikhanovsky implored Trump, who has considerable influence, to advocate for the release of the remaining 1,000 political prisoners still imprisoned in Belarus, saying, "With one word he could free them all." His emotional appeal was echoed by his wife, who referred to him as her "personal hero." She highlighted the devastating impact on their family, stating their daughter barely recognized her father due to his dramatic weight loss and altered appearance after years of confinement.

Prior to his arrest, Tikhanovsky was an outspoken political figure and a prominent voice against Lukashenko's regime, urging citizens to "stop the cockroach," a term he used to refer to the president. Following his incarceration, Svetlana stepped in to run for president, ultimately leading to widespread protests that were met with severe repression.

Despite the adversity faced by opposition leaders and the grim conditions for political dissidents, Tikhanovsky emphasized that he has no intention of seeking leadership within the opposition abroad. Instead, he waved a fist of defiance at the press conference and encouraged fellow Belarusians to unite against Lukashenko's oppressive regime.

Human rights groups estimate that since the onset of the crackdown on political dissent in 2020, hundreds of thousands have fled Belarus, with tens of thousands imprisoned based on political motives. As international observers take note of these developments, the call for action to address human rights abuses in Belarus becomes ever more urgent.