Belarus: Opposition Leader Sergei Tikhanovski and 13 Political Prisoners Released

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Sergei Tikhanovski, the leader of the opposition in Belarus and husband of Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who took his place when he was arrested, has been released along with 13 other political prisoners. ‘Amnesty was granted to Sergei Tikhanovski and these individuals, along with 13 other political prisoners in Belarus, have been released,’ announced a non-governmental organization on Telegram. A representative of the Lithuanian prime minister confirmed that Sergei Tikhanovski and the other 13 political prisoners are now in Lithuania, where they are safe and receiving necessary care. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya posted a video showing her hugging a man with a shaved head, who kissed her. In a subsequent message on X, she thanked Donald Trump and their European allies for their efforts. ‘My husband Sergei is free! It’s hard to describe the joy in my heart,’ she wrote. ‘We’re not done. 1,150 political prisoners remain behind bars. All must be released.’ Sergei Tikhanovski, aged 46, was arrested in May 2020 just before the August presidential elections that sparked massive protests against election fraud in Belarus. This was followed by a harsh crackdown ordered by President Alexander Lukashenko. After his arrest, his wife took over and led the opposition’s election campaign. Lukashenko was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential elections with 80% of the votes, according to official reports. Tens of thousands of people protested against alleged widespread fraud. The Belarusian authorities suppressed the protest movement with thousands of arrests, torture during detention, and imposing heavy prison sentences. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya was forced into exile under pressure from the authorities. Sergei Tikhanovski was sentenced in 2021 to 18 years in prison for ‘organizing riots’ and ‘inciting hatred.’ An additional 18-month sentence for ‘disobedience’ was also imposed. He endured very strict detention conditions and had minimal contact with the outside world. In March 2024, his wife stated she hadn’t heard from him for over a year.