Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a prominent Belarusian blogger and political activist, along with 13 other political prisoners, was released on June 21 following U.S. intervention. At a press conference in Vilnius, he expressed disbelief at his freedom and described the harsh treatment he faced during his 18-year sentence, including extreme isolation and worse conditions than violent criminals. Tsikhanouski was arrested in 2020 for attempting to run for president and said he endured severe limitations on his basic human rights during imprisonment. His plight underscores the ongoing challenges faced by political prisoners in Belarus.
"For five years, I wasn't able to confess once. Not a single visit to the prison store to at least buy soap or a toothbrush."
"Human rights also apply to prisoners. The rapists and murderers sitting next door have televisions, they have everything, but we are not allowed anything."
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