Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today brought the first release of political prisoners in 2025. Another 42 people are finally returning home. Forty-two families will see their loved ones and hold them in their arms. They will finally be close again.
But none of them should have been imprisoned in the first place. And as long as more than 1,100 political prisoners remain behind bars, we demand freedom for all, without exception. The release of one person is a step forward but it’s not the end of the road.
We expected the releases to take place ahead of May 9. These releases were made possible thanks to solidarity. I’m grateful to everyone: civil society, families, human rights defenders, diplomats, and international partners. I especially want to thank the United States of America, the European Union, and representatives of international organizations, including the UN. Thank you to everyone who has been tirelessly raising the issue of political prisoners and working to secure their release.
We will continue our efforts so that every man and woman unjustly imprisoned can walk free as soon as possible. So that each one of them can return home”.
