Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a prominent Belarusian blogger and political prisoner, was released on June 21 after five years in solitary confinement. His release followed a visit by Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine. Tsikhanouski had been imprisoned after being denied candidacy against incumbent Alexander Lukashenko in 2020, leading to his conviction. His wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, took over his candidacy but was forced to flee Belarus amid a contested election. In his first interview since release, Tsikhanouski shared the emotional reunion with his wife, reflecting on the deep impact of his confinement and freedom.
I couldn't believe it. I spent five years in a solitary confinement cell... when you finally see open space around you, you're overwhelmed by emotions.
Honestly, even now, I still can't believe it. The emotions were so intense, the tears just kept coming.
Collection
[
|
...
]