Sergei Tikhanovsky, who recently regained his freedom after five long years, made an emotional appeal during a press conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, urging U.S. President Donald Trump to advocate for the release of all political prisoners in Belarus. His unexpected release, alongside thirteen other political inmates, coincided with a rare visit to Minsk by U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg.
This visit marks a significant diplomatic moment, as it represents one of the very few high-profile American visits to Belarus in recent years. Tikhanovsky, who was arrested while planning to challenge President Alexander Lukashenko in the 2020 elections, shared harrowing details of his time in solitary confinement where he endured extensive isolation.
In tears, he described the inhumane conditions, noting that he had no contact with the outside world—no letters, phone calls, or even access to basic hygiene items. His emotional recounting highlighted the brutal reality faced by political prisoners in Belarus, where oppressive regimes often disregard basic human rights. He called the experience nothing short of torture.
Tikhanovsky emphasized his desire for President Trump to intercede on behalf of all political prisoners, stating, “Trump has such power and such possibilities, that with one word he could free all political prisoners.” His wife, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who took over as the leader of the opposition during his imprisonment, described how their daughter struggled to recognize her father due to the significant changes in his appearance caused by his time in prison.
Despite being released, Tikhanovsky insists he does not wish to assume leadership of the Belarusian opposition, reaffirming his support for his wife as the rightful leader. He urged Belarusians to remain resilient and stand against the oppressive regime of Lukashenko. The call for assistance comes amid a backdrop of widespread political repression in Belarus, with thousands arrested and numerous activists forced into exile since the 2020 protests were violently quelled.
As the political landscape in Belarus remains fraught with tension, Tikhanovsky’s plea for international support underscores the ongoing plight of many who continue to suffer under authoritarian rule.
