In a heartfelt press conference following his release, opposition leader Siarhei Tikhanovsky shared the harrowing details of his five years in solitary confinement. Overcome with emotion, he called for the release of more than 1,000 political prisoners still held in Belarusian jails.
Tikhanovsky was arrested in 2020 while preparing to run against President Alexander Lukashenko in the elections. In 2021, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison after being convicted of inciting mass protests and facing other politically motivated charges. As a well-known figure in the opposition, he described his time in prison as being under a "strictest possible regime," completely cut off from the outside world.
During the press conference, Tikhanovsky revealed the extent of his isolation. He had no contact with anyone outside, stating, "You don’t even get letters, not a single call." He emphasized the psychological toll this took on him, saying he could not even attend confession or speak with a priest. "It’s a nightmare," he lamented, highlighting the stark contrast between his treatment and that of other inmates who had access to basic comforts.
Tears filled his eyes as he recounted the lack of basic necessities like soap and a toothbrush. He expressed disbelief at the inhumanity of his treatment, saying, "How can they do that? You [the regime] consider us criminals. But we have rights." His plea was not just for himself but for all those who remain imprisoned, urging for an end to such practices.
In a direct appeal, Tikhanovsky called on U.S. President Donald Trump to use his influence to help free political prisoners in Belarus. He stated, "Trump has such power and such possibilities, that with one word he could free all political prisoners. I ask him to say that word now."
Tikhanovsky’s emotional account sheds light on the grim realities faced by political dissidents in Belarus, highlighting a struggle for freedom and human rights that continues to resonate both locally and internationally.