• Belarus opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski has been released from prison after over five years.
• His wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, continues to call for the release of more than 1,000 political prisoners still in custody.
• The release coincided with a visit from US envoy Keith Kellogg to Belarus, raising hopes for continued dialogue on human rights.

Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a prominent opposition leader in Belarus, has been unexpectedly released from prison after five years of incarceration. His wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, shared a moving video of their reunion, expressing her joy with the caption "FREE." Tsikhanouski had been imprisoned since shortly before the August 2020 presidential elections, where he was set to challenge the long-time leader Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994. He was sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison for charges including "organizing riots" and "inciting hatred," according to Le Monde and Al Jazeera.

On the day of his release, it was reported that a total of 14 political prisoners were freed, including other inmates from various countries, amid high-level diplomatic activity with the US. This come as US special envoy Keith Kellogg met with Lukashenko—a visit seen as significant given the long-standing tensions between the US and Belarusian regime. Tsikhanouski’s release has brought hope to many opposition supporters, although his wife highlighted the ongoing plight of the remaining over 1,150 political prisoners still detained in Belarus, according to BBC.

In an emotional press conference following his release, Tsikhanouski detailed the severe conditions he endured during his time in solitary confinement, asserting that he was deprived of basic rights and communication. He publicly called on US President Trump to advocate for the release of all remaining prisoners, declaring, "Trump has such power... that with one word he could free all political prisoners." His heartfelt plea reflects the deep impact of his incarceration and the ongoing struggle for freedom in Belarus, as noted in statements from both BBC and Al Jazeera.

Tsikhanouski's release and the circumstances surrounding it have sparked varying interpretations among observers, with many viewing it as a strategic gesture by Lukashenko amid international scrutiny and pressure. Human rights groups, including Viasna, highlight the broader context of repression in Belarus, where the government has systematically targeted political dissidents, leading to significant emigration and arrests since the contested elections of 2020. Their reports emphasize that while Tsikhanouski's freedom is a significant step, it underscores the urgent need for continued efforts towards human rights and political reform in Belarus, as emphasized by Le Monde, BBC, and Al Jazeera.