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Belarus opposition leader thanks Polish FM for support in political prisoner release

24.06.2025 12:35
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has expressed gratitude to Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski following the release of her husband from a Belarusian prison after five years.
Belarus opposition figure Siarhei Tsikhanouski reunites with wife in Lithuania after release. His wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski for his help in securing her husbands freedom.
Belarus opposition figure Siarhei Tsikhanouski reunites with wife in Lithuania after release. His wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski for his help in securing her husband’s freedom. Photo: OLIVIER HOSLET/PAP/EPA/X/@ Tsihanouskaya

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has thanked Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski for his “consistent support” in advocating for political prisoners in Belarus.

In a video posted on X, Tsikhanouskaya appeared alongside her husband, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, who was freed on Saturday as part of a US-mediated deal that saw 14 political detainees released.

“After five painful years, I was finally able to see Siarhei again, and our children could hug their father,” she said, calling it a deeply emotional moment made possible by international support, including Poland’s.

In her message, Tsikhanouskaya urged continued efforts to secure the release of those still jailed by the Lukashenko regime, highlighting Polish-Belarusian journalist and activist Andrzej Poczobut as “a shared hero.”

Responding on X, Sikorski thanked her for remembering Poczobut and reaffirmed Poland’s commitment: “We continue to push for the release of all remaining political prisoners.”

Belarus opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski. Photo: VALDA KALNINA/PAP/EPA Belarus opposition figure Siarhei Tsikhanouski. Photo: VALDA KALNINA/PAP/EPA

Tsikhanouski was arrested in 2020 after announcing plans to run for president. His wife later stood in his place and was forced into exile after the disputed election.

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Source: X/@sikorskiradek/@Tsihanouskaya