Sergei Tikhanovsky has finally stepped into the light after five grueling years in a Belarusian prison, where he was incarcerated for opposing the regime led by Alexander Lukashenko. The former opposition blogger, upon his recent release, found himself almost unrecognizable—so emaciated that his young daughter didn't recognize him. Despite these physical transformations, the spirit and resolve of Tikhanovsky remain unbroken.
Meeting in Vilnius shortly after his unexpected release, Sergei expressed that the most challenging aspect of his imprisonment was the prolonged silence. "The hardest thing was not being able to speak," he confided, revealing the psychological toll of being kept in solitary confinement. Along with thirteen fellow political prisoners, his release came after a diplomatic visit from a U.S. delegation, marking a significant, albeit controversial, moment in Belarusian politics.
With an air of disbelief, Tikhanovsky described the emotional reunion with his family. His daughter, who was just four when he was jailed, instantly recognized him once they embraced. Yet, the years of confinement took their toll; he lost nearly 60 kg (132 pounds) during his incarceration, leaving him gaunt and fragile.
Sergei gained notoriety ahead of the 2020 presidential election for using social media to voice the public's grievances, even as he attempted to run for office himself, calling attention to the fraudulent nature of the elections. "I wanted to expose the arranged game," he articulated. His arrest subsequently led to his wife Svetlana Tikhanovskaya running in his place, gathering immense public support.
Prison life, however, was brutal. Tikhanovsky endured harsh treatment, often isolated without letters or calls for extended periods, confined to punishment cells where he faced inhumane conditions. "I was forced to strip away all thoughts of family to survive,” he stated. As hopes dimmed for a release, only diplomatic intervention prompted the reconsideration of his status.
With the U.S. engaging in discussions with Lukashenko, Sergei’s release is seen as a strategic move by the Belarusian leader amid growing isolation due to international condemnation. Tikhanovsky underscored that the regime remains relentless, stating, "Nothing has changed in their approach."
Now, free yet far from complacent, Sergei echoes a powerful message about the need for liberation of all political prisoners in Belarus, pleading for unity against oppression. His wife supports this vision while cautioning against softening international sanctions, as repression continues unabated within the country.
Engaging with political figures and reconnecting with family, Tikhanovsky steps boldly into the future, maintaining that his purpose transcends personal ambition: “What I seek is a free and democratic Belarus.”
