Belarusian opposition leader freed, now in Lithuania.
Siarhei Tsikhanouski released after imprisonment.
MINSK, June 21, 2025
- Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a jailed opposition leader, has been freed.
- His release follows talks between Alexander Lukashenko and Keith Kellogg.
- Tsikhanouski was arrested after announcing his presidential run in 2020.
- He was sentenced to 18 years in prison in 2021.
- Fourteen people were freed, including foreign nationals.
In a turn of events, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a prominent opposition leader in Belarus, has been released from jail and is currently in Lithuania. His freedom came after discussions between Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Keith Kellogg, who is President Trump’s envoy for Ukraine.
Ms Tsikhanouskaya in January 2025 with a picture of her husband. Pic: Reuters
Unexpected Diplomacy
A Trump envoy in Minsk
Kellogg’s visit marks the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Belarus in years. Belarus remains a close ally of Russia, adding a layer of complexity to the diplomatic maneuver.
From presidential hopeful to prisoner
Tsikhanouski, a blogger and activist, faced arrest after declaring his candidacy against Lukashenko in the 2020 election. The following year, a court found him guilty of organizing mass unrest and inciting social hatred, leading to an 18-year prison sentence.
The Aftermath and the Future
Wife carries on the torch
Following her husband’s detention, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya stepped into the political arena, running in his place. Now an opposition leader,she is currently in exile in Lithuania.
A disputed election
Although Lukashenko was officially declared the winner of the election, the result faced widespread denouncement from the opposition and Western nations, who called it a sham.
Emotional reunion
On Saturday, a video surfaced on Tsikhanouskaya’s social media showing Tsikhanouski leaving a minibus, his face etched with a smile despite his emaciated condition.The video captured an emotional hug between him and his wife, amidst the applause of supporters.
Tsikhanouskaya expressed her relief, stating, “My husband is free. It’s difficult to describe the joy in my heart.”
She extended her gratitude to Mr. Trump, Mr. Kellogg, and “all European allies” for their combined efforts in securing his release.
However, Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that her team’s mission is “not finished,” highlighting that more than 1,100 political prisoners are still confined in Belarus.
Ihar Karnei, a former journalist at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, has also been freed from jail. Pic: AP
A diverse group of freed prisoners
Among the 14 individuals released on Saturday were five Belarus nationals, three Poles, two Latvians, two Japanese citizens, one Estonian, and one Swede.
Ihar Karnei, a former journalist at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was also among those released.
International Reactions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared on X that the release was “fantastic news and a powerful symbol of hope for all the political prisoners suffering under the brutal Lukashenka (sic) regime”.
Poland’s foreign minister, Radoslaw sikorski, also posted on X, saying, “The free world needs you, Siarhei!”
Lukashenko welcomes Kellogg
During the meeting in Minsk, Lukashenko greeted Kellogg with a hug.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko greets trump envoy Keith kellogg in Minsk. Pic: AP
Lukashenko expressed his hopes for the conversation, stating, “I really hope that our conversation will be very sincere and open.Or else, what is the point of meeting?
“If we are clever and cunning in front of each other, we will not achieve results. You have made a lot of noise in the world with your arrival.”
Lukashenko has been in power as 1994 and secured a seventh term in office following an election in January this year that the opposition called a farce.
Sanctions and Geopolitics
Potential shift in US policy?
Could Kellogg’s visit indicate a possibility of lifting U.S. sanctions against belarus? These sanctions were imposed due to the crackdown on the 2020 protests and Lukashenko’s support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. it remains unclear if this is a step in that direction.
Belarus’ role in the conflict
Belarus has allowed Russia to use its territory to deploy troops and weapons into Ukraine, as well as station its forces and nuclear weapons there, deepening its involvement in the ongoing conflict.
The Ongoing Struggle for Human Rights in Belarus
The release of Siarhei Tsikhanouski signals a flicker of hope amid the ongoing human rights crisis in Belarus. Though, it also underscores the persistent challenges faced by the Belarusian opposition and the need for continued international attention.
Why the Release Matters
Tsikhanouski’s imprisonment and subsequent release, along with several others, highlights the arbitrary nature of the belarusian legal system. Many political prisoners remain behind bars. Their freedoms depend on fragile diplomatic negotiations.
The Larger Context
Following the disputed 2020 presidential election, Belarus saw mass protests. These protests sparked a brutal crackdown on dissent. Thousands were arrested, and many faced harsh sentences. Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians fled the country to escape persecution.
The scale of the repression remains a considerable concern. The government actively suppresses any form of opposition or criticism.
The release of political prisoners is a vital step, but the path ahead requires more fundamental reforms. The international community must continue to pressure Belarus to uphold human rights and respect the rule of law.
Beyond the Headlines: What’s Next?
The situation in Belarus is complex. It involves geopolitics, human rights, and the future of the country.
Potential for Dialog
Kellogg’s visit may open doors for broader negotiations. It may include human rights, trade, and regional security issues.
Sanctions Persist
While Tsikhanouski’s release offers hope,U.S. sanctions remain.These sanctions target individuals and entities linked to the Lukashenko regime. The sanctions limit financial transactions and restrict trade with Belarus.
Role of Key Players
Several international actors are critical. the United States, the European Union, and neighboring countries will play significant roles.
Possible Outcomes
The future of Belarus is uncertain. Several scenarios are possible, from a gradual easing of tensions to continued repression.
Benefits & Practical Tips
For those interested in supporting human rights in Belarus, hear’s a list of ways you can definitely help:
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest developments from reputable news sources.
- Support Advocacy Groups: Donate or volunteer to organizations. They work to protect human rights in Belarus.
- Contact Yoru Representatives: Urge your elected officials to address the human rights situation in Belarus.
- Raise Awareness: share facts about Belarus on social media and with your network.
- Support Self-reliant Media: Help fund independent media sources. They provide critical coverage of Belarus.
Case Study: The Fate of Other Political Prisoners
The release of Tsikhanouski underscores the plight of other political prisoners in Belarus. The stories of these individuals often go untold.
Case Study 1: Maria Kolesnikova
Maria Kolesnikova is a prominent Belarusian opposition figure. She was arrested in September 2020.
Case Study 2: Victor Babariko
Victor Babariko ran against Lukashenko in the 2020 election. He was subsequently arrested and sentenced to a lengthy prison term.
Myths vs. Facts
Here’s a breakdown of common misconceptions vs. verified facts about belarus:
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| The situation in Belarus has stabilized. | Human rights violations are ongoing, reports of political prisoners persist. |
| Lukashenko’s government enjoys widespread support. | The 2020 election results are disputed. Opposition parties and Western nations say the vote was rigged. |
| International sanctions are ineffective. | Sanctions place economic pressure on the Belarusian government. |
FAQs
What triggered the release of Siarei Tsikhanouski?
Discussions between Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko and Keith Kellogg, President trump’s envoy, likely played a role.
what is the role of external international actors in Belarus?
The U.S., EU and neighboring countries can apply diplomatic pressure.They can implement sanctions,offering support and aid for human rights in Belarus.
Are there other political prisoners in Belarus?
Yes, hundreds of political prisoners remain in Belarus. These include opposition figures, activists, and journalists.
What is the current status of international sanctions?
U.S.and EU sanctions largely remain in place. They target individuals and entities associated with the Lukashenko regime.
What is the importance of Keith Kellogg’s visit?
It marks a rare visit by a high-ranking U.S. official, possibly signaling a shift in U.S. policy but also highlights the US deep concern about the political crisis in Belarus.
Table of Contents
- Belarusian opposition leader freed, now in Lithuania.
