Belarusian dissident thanks Trump admin for his freedom, demands the UN act
Share this @internewscast.com

Nils Muižnieks, delivering his inaugural address as the U.N. special rapporteur on Belarus’s human rights situation, cautioned that since January 2025, there has been a continued decline in human rights conditions. He highlighted the misuse of “highly problematic” laws by Belarusian authorities, such as those banning insults directed at the president or other officials.

“Belarus incarcerates a large number of individuals who should not be in prison, including opposition leaders, human rights activists, journalists, independent trade union members, environmental advocates, and lawyers,” Muižnieks stated before Tsikhanouski’s video was shown. He also detailed how prisoners face mistreatment by Belarusian authorities.

After the council heard Tsikhanouski’s message, Muižnieks said that the recently-freed dissident’s words “carry extra weight.”

After gaining his freedom, Tsikhanouski was joyfully reunited with his wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and their children in Lithuania. Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled Belarusian opposition leader, is recognized by some nations as the rightful president-elect.

Tsikhanouskaya thanked President Donald Trump, Kellogg and the State Department for their efforts, which led to her husband’s freedom.

“My husband Siarhei is free! It’s hard to describe the joy in my heart,” Tsikhanouskaya wrote on X. “We’re not done. 1,150 political prisoners remain behind bars. All must be released.”

Siarhei Tsikhanouski speaks after being released

Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a Belarusian opposition activist released from a prison by Belarusian authorities, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer joined the call to see the remaining 1,150 prisoners gain their freedom.

“Siarhei Tsikhanouski is a symbol of courage who paid a heavy price for daring to challenge Lukashenko’s dictatorship. United Nations Watch is honored to give him the floor at the UN Human Rights Council just days after his release from prison. His voice, silenced by the regime for more than five years as he was tortured in jail, now speaks for millions of Belarusians who continue to demand freedom and human rights,” Neuer told Fox News Digital. 

Neuer said Tsikhanouski’s message to the U.N. was “a direct challenge to the regimes that continue to silence their critics.”

Siarhei Tsikhanouski holds a photo of himself prior to his detention

A freed Siarhei Tsikhanouski holds a photo of himself taken before he was held behind bars for more than five years. (Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya via X)

Thursday, June 26, also marks the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Tsikhanouskaya wrote on X to mark the occasion and shared a photo illustrating the effects that five years in prison had on her husband. 

“Today is the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. My husband survived five years of isolation and cruelty in the Belarus regime’s prisons. Many others still endure it. If we had given up, Siarhei wouldn’t be free. That’s why we keep going—until everyone is home,” Tsikhanouskaya wrote.

According to NPR, Tsikhanouski lost more than 41% of his body weight. He went into prison weighing 298 pounds but weighed just 174 pounds when he was released on June 21.

In response to a request for comment on Tsikhanouski’s statement, UN Human Rights Council spokesperson Pascal Sim directed Fox News Digital to a recording of the hearing, particularly Muižnieks’ remarks.

The U.N. Human Rights Office also directed Fox News Digital to Muižnieks’ statement.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Yikes: DNC Chair Ken Martin Makes Things Even Worse for Dems When Asked About 'Globalize the Intifada'

DNC Leader Ken Martin Puts Dems in Hot Water with Remarks on ‘Globalize the Intifada’

Those questions about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani might have…
Aryna Sabalenka in heated Wimbledon moment with Amanda Anisimova

Tense Wimbledon Showdown: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Amanda Anisimova

Sorry, not sorry. The final stretch of Amanda Anisimova’s upset of top…
A 60cm-tall mud volcano in Cusco, Peru.

Locals in Peru Discover the ‘World’s Smallest Volcano’ Erupting with Gases and Sludge

A VOLCANO touted as the smallest in the world has been discovered…
Screengrab of the Eternity C bulker being attacked in the Red Sea.

Houthi Rebels Sink Two Cargo Ships and Kidnap Crew in Red Sea Amid Renewed Tensions, Despite Trump’s Previous Actions

HOUTHI rebels have sunk two giant cargo ships within days and kidnapped…
Father and son drown in Lake Michigan during weekend family boating trip tragedy

Tragic Accident: Father and Son Drown in Lake Michigan During Family Boating Trip

A father and his son drowned in Lake Michigan over the weekend…
One year after Trump assassination attempt, Butler widow demands accountability from Secret Service

One Year After Attempted Assassination on Trump, Butler Widow Calls for Secret Service Accountability

One year after Corey Comperatore was killed at a Trump rally in…
Construction workers reach safety after Los Angeles industrial tunnel partially collapses: ‘Everyone is safe’

Los Angeles Industrial Tunnel Partially Collapses, But All Construction Workers Are Safe

Officials are breathing a sigh of relief after more than 30 construction…
America's 'most hated mom,' Casey Anthony, spotted on apparent date at sports bar

Casey Anthony Seen on Outing at Local Sports Bar: Reports

New images show “America’s most hated mom,” Casey Anthony, out on what…
Former public school teacher, 33, charged after 'prolonged pattern of abuse' with teen boy

Ex-public school teacher, 33, faces charges for ‘extended abuse’ involving teenage boy

A former South Carolina teacher was charged with having a prolonged inappropriate…
'King of the Hill' Revival': Hank and Peggy return after 15 years to a changed Arlen in season 14 first look - see trailer

“King of the Hill Returns: Hank and Peggy Re-emerge in a Transformed Arlen After 15 Years – Watch the Season 14 Trailer”

Hank and Peggy Hill return to a changed Texas, and a new…
Karen Read asks Massachusetts court to throw out wrongful death lawsuit after murder acquittal

Karen Read Requests Massachusetts Court to Dismiss Wrongful Death Lawsuit Following Her Murder Acquittal

Karen Read, who was exonerated from murder charges last month concerning the…
Chinese satellites complete groundbreaking mission 22,000 miles above Earth

Chinese Satellites Achieve Revolutionary Milestone 22,000 Miles in Space

China’s space program made significant progress recently when two of its satellites…