Sergei Tikhanovsky has barely spoken for over five years while imprisoned in solitary confinement for opposing Belarus' authoritarian leader. Recently released, his thoughts pour forth as his memories converge with newfound freedom. "The restriction on speaking was the hardest thing," he confided to reporters in Vilnius. His surprise release came after a senior US delegation's visit to Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko, resulting in his return alongside 13 other prisoners.
The emotional toll on Sergei is evident as he recalls reuniting with his family. "My daughter didn’t recognize me," he shares, his voice trembling. After nearly losing 60kg (132 pounds) in jail, he describes himself as "half the size and half the weight." Yet, he expresses a robust spirit, stating "my spirit is not broken."
Sergei, once a prominent blogger, fiercely opposed the regime in the 2020 presidential elections, leading to his arrest after he exposed electoral corruption. He mentions the isolation's psychological impact and the harsh conditions of his confinement, often subjected to punishment cells.
After years of hope dashed with each missed letter from loved ones, he and other high-profile detainees faced daunting conditions. Sergei refused to confess, declaring, "I am no criminal; that would be a betrayal." His unexpected release may signal a shift in Western diplomatic relations, but he insists true change hinges on the release of over 1,000 remaining political prisoners.
His wife, now the opposition leader, shares his joy yet warns against easing sanctions, citing no real change in the regime's tactics. In his first week out, Sergei intends to reconnect with family and promote democracy in Belarus, emphasizing he seeks not a return to power but a thriving democracy for his nation.
