Sergei Tikhanovsky, a prominent opposition figure in Belarus, has finally been released from prison after enduring five years of solitary confinement for opposing the authoritarian regime. His time in jail left him physically weakened, losing nearly 60kg (132 pounds), but his spirit remains unshaken. "The hardest thing was not being able to speak," he revealed recently in Vilnius, where he is now in enforced exile.
Released alongside 13 other political prisoners after international pressure, Tikhanovsky's reunion with his daughter was emotional; she initially didn't recognize her father. He reminisced about his life before imprisonment when he built a large following as a political blogger, advocating against the regime's oppressive measures. His wife, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, later ran for president in his place, galvanizing massive public support.
In prison, he faced harsh treatment and total isolation, reflecting on the extreme conditions he endured in punishment cells. Despite the suffering, Sergei's determination to fight against the regime has grown stronger. While he expresses gratitude for his freedom, he also calls for the release of over 1,000 other political prisoners still incarcerated in Belarus.
With his wife leading the opposition movement, Tikhanovsky's return sparked hope for many. Yet, both remain cautious regarding global diplomatic efforts, urging for a continuation of sanctions until true reforms are made in their homeland. Now free, Sergei aims to catch up with his family and engage in the ongoing struggle for democracy in Belarus, asserting that he needs nothing more than a free and democratic future for his country.
