Fact Check: 1150 political prisoners still imprisoned in Belarus after Tsikhanouski's release!

Fact Check: "1150 political prisoners still imprisoned in Belarus after Tsikhanouski's release!"

What We Know

On June 21, 2025, Belarusian opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski was released from prison after serving five years. His wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, confirmed his release via social media, expressing joy but also highlighting the ongoing plight of political prisoners in Belarus. In her statement, she noted, “We’re not done. 1150 political prisoners remain behind bars. All must be released” (Al Jazeera). This assertion aligns with reports from various human rights organizations, including Viasna, which has documented the political repression in Belarus and estimates that there are indeed over 1,000 political prisoners currently detained (Euronews).

Analysis

The claim that "1150 political prisoners still imprisoned in Belarus" is corroborated by multiple reliable sources. Tsikhanouskaya's statement is a direct quote, which adds credibility to her assertion. Furthermore, the Belarusian human rights group Viasna has consistently reported on the number of political prisoners in Belarus, providing a reliable basis for these figures (Euractiv).

The context of Tsikhanouski's release is also significant. His release was part of a broader negotiation involving the U.S. and Belarus, which indicates that the situation in Belarus is being monitored internationally. The fact that only a small number of prisoners were released—14 in total, including Tsikhanouski—highlights the ongoing issue of political repression in the country (Euronews, Reflector).

While the exact number of political prisoners can fluctuate due to ongoing arrests and releases, the figure cited by Tsikhanouskaya appears to be consistent with the latest reports from human rights organizations. Given the historical context of political repression in Belarus under President Alexander Lukashenko, the claim is plausible and supported by evidence from credible sources.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "1150 political prisoners still imprisoned in Belarus after Tsikhanouski's release" is accurate based on the statements from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and corroborated by reports from human rights organizations. The ongoing political repression in Belarus, coupled with the recent release of only a small number of prisoners, underscores the validity of this claim.

Fact Check: 1150 political prisoners still imprisoned in Belarus after Tsikhanouski's release!