After spending over five years in solitary confinement in a Belarusian prison, Sergei Tikhanovsky, a notable opposition figure, has finally found his voice post-release. The former political blogger was imprisoned for opposing the authoritarian regime of Alexander Lukashenko and now shares the struggles he faced during his time behind bars.
Meeting in Vilnius shortly after his unexpected release, Sergei described the ordeal of silence as the most excruciating. "The restriction on speaking was the hardest thing," he reflected, emphasizing the psychological toll of isolation. Sergei’s reunion with his family was emotional; having been incarcerated long before his daughter could remember him, he said, “She didn’t recognize me,” leading to a heart-wrenching embrace once their identities were reaffirmed.
His physical transformation is striking; he lost nearly 60 kilograms (132 pounds), saying, “Physically I'm half the size and half the weight … But my spirit is not broken.” His steadfast determination emerged in his cruel treatment, including long-term isolation and frequent punishment. He recalled how he remained resolute, resolving to empty his mind of thoughts about his loved ones to endure the severity of his circumstances.
Sergei had been a prominent voice in the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election, gaining notoriety for his candid YouTube interviews addressing public grievances. His frustration with the lack of democracy led him to attempt to run for office, ultimately resulting in his arrest. As he expressed, “I wanted to show that the elections are fake, and they arrested me.”
In his absence, his wife, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, took up the mantle and ran for presidency, attracting massive support. However, after Lukashenko's contested victory, the country witnessed escalating protests and subsequent mass detainment.
Remarkably, Sergei's release directly followed a U.S. delegation's rare visit to engage with Lukashenko, raising questions about political dynamics. While Sergei calls for the release of the remaining political prisoners—over 1,000 still imprisoned—his wife calls for caution regarding sanctions against the government.
During his first week of freedom, he has actively engaged with political figures and expressed gratitude to the U.S. for their role in his release, all while reconnecting with his family. Despite his wife stepping into a leadership role, Sergei insists he seeks no claim over her position, focusing instead on the larger goal of achieving democracy in Belarus.
