Lukashenko 'graciously' released Tikhanovsky and other opposition figures after Kellogg's visit.

Belarus released Sergei Tikhanovsky and other political prisoners

The Belarusian authorities released opposition blogger Sergei Tikhanovsky along with thirteen other political prisoners on June 21, according to the publication 'Nasha Niva'. This release was made possible by the visit of U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg to Minsk. John Cole, deputy to the American diplomat, thanked Lithuania for its cooperation and assistance on his social media account, calling it a true friend and ally.

Sergei Tikhanovsky was imprisoned before the presidential elections in Belarus in 2020 and spent more than five years behind bars. Among the other released were former teacher Natalia Dulina, activist Akihiro Hayevsky-Khanada, and journalist Igor Karney. Also released was Halina Krasyanskaya, who holds Belarusian-Swedish citizenship and was sentenced to five years in prison. Among the released was also 21-year-old Kirill Balakhonov, who was sentenced to three and a half years in prison in the case of the 'Union of the Belarusian National Shield'.

As a result of the U.S. president's representative's visit to Belarus, Sergei Tikhanovsky and other political prisoners were able to be released, which is an important step in the developments in the country and indicates international support for Ukrainian actors.

Conclusion

Belarus released opposition blogger Sergei Tikhanovsky and other political prisoners after the visit of the U.S. president's representative. This move indicates significant changes in the country's political situation and support for democracy from international partners.