After years of imprisonment and conviction to 18 years of maximum safety penal colony, Siarhei Cichanouski, a well-known Belarusian blogger and pro-democratic activist, was released. This information was provided by his wife and the leader of the Belarusian opposition, Swiatlana Cichanouska, which stressed the joy of her husband's regaining freedom, at the same time pointing out that the fight for the release of all political prisoners continues.
Who's Siarhi Cichanouski?
Siarhei Cichanouski is simply a figure widely recognized in the Belarusian opposition movement. As the author of the popular YouTube channel "State to Life" gained large popularity, especially among young Belarusians. Before the falsified 2020 presidential election, which took place on August 9, he planned to run as a presidential candidate. However, he was detained already on 29 May 2020, which prevented him from formally participating in the elections. His wife, Swiatlan Cichanouska, competed in his place and gained global designation as leader of the Belarusian opposition.
The course and nature of the prison sentence
In December 2021, Cichanouski was sentenced to 18 years of high-security penal colony. The judgement was based on 4 political articles in the Belarusian penal code, including:
- Organisation of mass riots,
- Inciting social hostility,
- Obstruction of the Central Election Commission,
- Organisation of actions that are grossly violating public policy.
Additionally, in February 2023, another year and a half prisons were imposed on him for failing to comply with the prison staff.
During the execution of the penalty, Cichanouski was kept in complete isolation, and for more than 2 years there was no authoritative information about him. In July 2023 there were tragic reports of his alleged death in prison, which were nevertheless not confirmed, and his wife had not been able to make contact with him for a long time, even through a lawyer.
Release in an global context
The freedom of Cichanouski coincided with the visit of the American general Keith Kellogg in Minsk, a peculiar U.S. envoy for Ukraine. The Belarusian authorities released 13 another political prisoners, including a celebrated blogger Ihara Moose.
Swiatlana Cichanouska thanked for her support in the release process, including U.S. president Donald Trump and General Kellogg. At the same time, she pointed out that in Belarusian prisons she inactive resided around 1150 political prisonersand their destiny remains 1 of the key points of the opposition's fight.
After his release, Siarhi Cichanouski was transported to Vilnius, where he plans to proceed his work for democracy and human rights.
Importance for the Belarusian opposition and future prospects
Cichanouski's approval is an crucial signal for both the opposition and the global community observing the situation in Belarus. It represents an crucial precedent and a possible turning point in the negotiations and force on the government of Alexander Lukashenko.
However, the destiny of the remaining political prisoners and the broadly understood human rights situation in the country stay a challenge. This is recalled by Swiatlan Cichanouska herself, stressing that the release of her husband does not close the process of fighting for democracy and freedom in Belarus.
- Siarhei Cichanouski, a Belarusian oppositionist and blogger, was released nearly 5 years after the arrest and nearly 20 years of imprisonment with increased security.
- His judgement was based on accusations of organizing mass riots and incitement to social unrest.
- The release took place during a visit by a peculiar U.S. envoy for Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, in Minsk, along with another political prisoners.
- Despite the joy of regaining freedom, the leader of the Belarusian opposition Swiatlan Cichanouska points out that there are inactive around 1,150 people in prison who are being repressed for political activity.
- The release of Cichanouski is an crucial moment, but does not end the ongoing conflict for human rights and democracy in Belarus.
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Siarhi Cichanouski on the loose after nearly 20 years in prison – a symbol of the fight for democracy in Belarus
