US EditionBelarus opposition leader released from jail in US-brokered deal
- Belarus released opposition leader Syarhei Tsikhanouski and 13 other political prisoners on June 21, 2025, following a US-brokered deal in Minsk.
- Tsikhanouski was imprisoned in 2021 after attempting to challenge President Lukashenko and was serving an 18-year sentence plus additional terms on extremism charges.
- The release followed US envoy Keith Kellogg's visit amid ongoing repression since Lukashenko's disputed 2020 election, which triggered mass protests and over 50,000 arrests.
- Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya announced the release on social media, expressing joy and noting Tsikhanouski's significant weight loss during custody and their reunion in Vilnius.
- Despite the release and Lukashenko's pardons, roughly 1,150 political prisoners remain detained as Tsikhanouskaya continues to advocate for their freedom ahead of January 2025 elections.
183 Articles
183 Articles
Five years ago, the entrepreneur and blogger was at the beginning of the rebellion against the long-term Belarusian ruler. His release points to a rematch between Lukashenko and the United States.
During the visit of a U.S. general to Minsk, Belarusian leader Lukashenko releases 14 oppositionists, among whom Sergei Tichanovsky is one of his best-known opponents.
During the visit of a U.S. general to Minsk, Belarusian leader Lukashenko releases 14 oppositionists, among whom Sergei Tichanovsky is one of his best-known opponents.
Watauga Democrat
Belarus frees jailed opposition leader after appeal from US
Belarus freed top opposition figure Sergei Tikhanovsky and more than a dozen other political prisoners Saturday following an appeal from the White House, Minsk said, a sign of warming ties between Washington and Belarus-ally Moscow.
Belarus frees jailed opposition leader Sergei Tikhanovsky after appeal from US
Belarus released opposition leader Sergei Tikhanovsky and over a dozen political prisoners following a US appeal, signaling improved ties between Washington and Minsk. Tikhanovsky, imprisoned for over five years, was welcomed by his wife and European leaders as a hopeful development. Despite the release, Belarus still holds over 1,000 political prisoners under Lukashenko's regime.
Belarus opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski freed from jail after rare visit by top US envoy
Mr Tsikhanouski was arrested after he announced he would run for the presidency against Alexander Lukashenko in the 2020 election. As he was detained and subsequently sentenced to 18 years in prison, his wife Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya ran in his place and took over the opposition.
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