Sergei Tikhanovsky, a prominent Belarusian opposition figure and YouTuber, was released from prison in June after enduring five years of harsh conditions, including solitary confinement and severe deprivation. His release, facilitated by diplomatic efforts, has reignited his outspoken criticism of Belarus's authoritarian leader, Aleksandr Lukashenko, despite warnings from his wife, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who leads the opposition in exile.

During his imprisonment, Tikhanovsky lost significant weight and was cut off from the outside world, only learning of major events like the death of Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny through prison radio. His release, alongside other political prisoners, came as Lukashenko sought to ease international pressure, though the motives behind freeing Tikhanovsky remain unclear.

Since returning to public life, Tikhanovsky's bold statements and controversial proposals have sparked debate within the opposition and among Belarusian exiles. He has vowed to continue his fight against the regime, while his wife remains cautious about the prospects for broader change, warning that repression in Belarus persists despite recent pardons.

Now reunited with his family in Lithuania, Tikhanovsky is navigating both domestic life and renewed activism, determined to energize Belarusians and challenge Lukashenko's rule through his own approach.