Belarusian Opposition Leader Freed After Five Years
Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a Belarusian opposition figure, has been released after more than five years in prison and is now advocating for the freedom of others still incarcerated. In a heartfelt video message from Geneva, where he addressed the UN Human Rights Council, he urgently called for international support.
“I was tortured, held in solitary confinement, and subjected to harsh conditions,” Tsikhanouski said, revealing the deep struggles he faced during his imprisonment. He expressed that, while he longed to hear from his daughter, he was stripped of basic comforts, even a pen to write with.
In the video, he thanked the international community—particularly the Trump administration—for his release. This breakthrough came after discussions between US officials and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, which also led to the release of 13 other political prisoners.
Tsikhanouski credited international solidarity and US efforts for his survival, highlighting the dire situation of countless others still behind bars, including activists and journalists. “There are many people in Belarus unjustly imprisoned,” he emphasized during his address.
Tsikhanouski finally reunited with his wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a prominent opposition leader in exile, and their children. Emotionally, she thanked those who played a role in her husband’s freedom, stating, “It’s hard to describe the joy in my heart.” However, she also pointed out that the fight isn’t over as around 1,150 political prisoners still remain in custody.
Nilz Muinix, the new UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Belarus, echoed Tsikhanouski’s concerns, stating that the human rights situation in the country has deteriorated since early 2025. He noted the abusive practices of Belarusian authorities and the restrictive laws hindering civil freedoms.
After Tsikhanouski’s message, Muinix remarked that his words would carry more weight as a freed prisoner, adding that they serve as a direct challenge to a regime that silences its critics.
On a personal note, Tsikhanouski’s wife shared the toll of his imprisonment, mentioning that he lost a significant amount of weight during those years, going from 298 pounds to just 174 upon his release. This transformation underscored the painful reality of life in Belarusian prisons.
As the international community marks a day to support torture victims, Tsikhanouskaya’s plea resonated, reminding us that many still endure the suffering her husband faced.
