Sergei Tikhanovsky, Husband of Belarus Opposition Leader, Released from Prison: What This Means for the Movement

Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya’s husband, Sergei Tikhanovsky, was unexpectedly freed from prison after five years. The release included 13 other political prisoners, who were transferred to Lithuania and reunited with their families. Tikhanovskaya joyfully shared a video of their first hug since 2020, expressing her happiness at his return.

This surprising move coincided with a visit from US special envoy Keith Kellogg to Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. The Lithuanian foreign minister confirmed that the released prisoners included citizens from Belarus, Japan, Poland, and Sweden, with Tikhanovsky being the most high-profile among them.

Sergei Tikhanovsky is well-known for rallying people across Belarus against Lukashenko’s regime, famously urging citizens to “stop the cockroach,” a term for the authoritarian leader. He was arrested in 2020 while campaigning against Lukashenko, whose election that year was condemned as fraudulent, leading to significant public protests.

After Tikhanovsky’s arrest, Tikhanovskaya stepped in to run for office. Her candidacy sparked massive protests, the largest Belarus had seen, which were brutally suppressed, resulting in her exile.

Despite the release, many remain imprisoned for their opposition to the regime. Maria Kolesnikova, another prominent opposition leader, is still incarcerated. Following Tikhanovsky’s release, she highlighted that over 1,150 political prisoners are still behind bars, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to secure further releases.

Franak Viacorka, a senior adviser to Tikhanovskaya, expressed surprise at Tikhanovsky’s departure. He noted that Lukashenko likely released him to ease diplomatic tensions and hinted at his weakened position following international isolation since the controversial 2020 elections and Belarus’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

Experts suggest that the release may be part of a strategic move to re-establish ties with the West. Artyom Shraibman from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center indicated that this could be a significant concession by Lukashenko, strengthening his diplomatic leverage.

A recent Human Rights Watch report revealed that approximately 1,500 political prisoners remain in Belarus, underscoring the ongoing reputational damage for Lukashenko’s government. As more Belarusians flee the country, the atmosphere of fear persists, with authorities reportedly compelling people to collaborate with state security or risk imprisonment.

Tikhanovsky’s return could reshape dynamics within the opposition, as both he and his wife navigate their roles in a movement still contending with fierce repression. The future for Belarusian democracy remains uncertain, but the recent events signal a glimmer of hope for those advocating for change.

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