News

The People's Embassy of Belarus in Sweden has released a new document designed to assist Belarusian asylum seekers and their legal representatives in challenging common claims made by the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) that lead to asylum rejections.

This document meticulously analyzes the typical claims made in rejection decisions and offers well-supported counterarguments, drawing on reports from international organizations as well as the Migration Agency’s own documents. The goal is to provide a robust tool that helps strengthen asylum cases by addressing these points proactively.

The document currently covers four key claims frequently used by Migrationsverket:

Migration Agency Claim:

1. If an individual was able to legally leave Belarus, it suggests they are not at risk. 

Counterargument: The document clarifies that the Belarusian regime often uses forced exile as a form of punishment. The ability to leave the country does not guarantee safety upon return, as many face severe risks if they go back.

2. "Limited dissemination" of critical posts on social media supposedly reduces the risk of persecution.

Counterargument: The document highlights the reality of digital totalitarianism in Belarus, where even minimal online dissent can attract severe reprisals, contrary to the belief that limited exposure lessens danger.

3. Individuals who were not prominent opposition figures are not at risk. 

Counterargument: The document demonstrates that the Belarusian regime’s surveillance and repression extend far beyond prominent figures, targeting a wide range of perceived dissidents, including those with minimal public profiles.

4. Delayed asylum applications indicate a lack of urgency or need for protection. 

Counterargument: This document is intended to be a "living" resource, continuously updated with new information and insights from human rights organizations and legal experts representing Belarusian asylum seekers.

We believe that this document can also be a valuable resource for the Swedish Migration Agency as it reviews Belarusian asylum cases. We would like to emphasize the urgent need to halt deportations of Belarusian nationals whose cases have been decided, while this review is ongoing. Allowing these deportations to proceed would be inconsistent and could expose individuals to significant danger.

The document is available here: [Link to Document] 

Source: People's Embassies of Belarus

In Belarus, Ales Bialiatski, the chairman of the human rights centre "Viasna" and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize 2022, has been sitting innocently in prison since 14 July 2021. Ales Bialiatski is one of more than 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus. They are all imprisoned solely for exercising their human rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Ales Bialiatski and all other political prisoners by the Belarusian regime. We call on all authorities of the Republic of Belarus to immediately end the intimidation, persecution and imprisonment of peaceful demonstrators, opposition activists, human rights activists, students and media representatives.

The imprisonment of political prisoners and the persecution of political dissidents are serious violations of human rights, which Belarus, as a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, has undertaken to respect. We would like to remind the diplomatic representatives of the Republic of Belarus of their country's international obligations and call on the Belarusian authorities to grant the fundamental human rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association to all people in Belarus without restrictions.

Why is this important?

Ales Bialiatski was arrested on 14 July 2021 and is only one of many political prisoners in Belarus who are innocently in prison because they are committed to freedom, democracy and human rights. In 1996, Bialiatski founded the Belarusian human rights centre Viasna, which today can only operate from exile. In 2022, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize together with the Russian NGO Memorial and the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee's decision to award Ales Bialiatski the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize is an important sign of solidarity with all political prisoners in Belarus, whose fate we must not forget.

Since Belarus' presidential election in August 2020, which according to the OSCE was rigged, people have been arbitrarily detained and unlawfully sentenced every day in the EU's neighbouring country. In 2020 and 2021, more than 40,000 politically motivated arrests were counted and more than 1,800 cases of state torture were documented.

There are currently over 1,400 people in political detention, including 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. Violence, arbitrariness, torture and repression against citizens, human rights organisations and independent journalists are commonplace.

How will the signatures be handed over?
A handover to a Belarusian embassy is planned.

At the moment, more than 82 thousand people have signed the petition.  Every signature, every voice is very important!

You can sign the petition via the link: [link to petition]

In a recent meeting, Pavel Latushka, deputy head of the Unified Transitional Cabinet, and Marko Stuchyn, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, discussed ongoing international efforts to isolate the regime of Alexander Lukashenka. Slovenia expressed its continued support for expanding sanctions against the Lukashenka regime, aligning them closely with measures against the Russian Federation due to its aggression against Ukraine.

During their talks, Latushka highlighted the importance of enhancing sanctions while avoiding measures that could adversely affect ordinary Belarusians. He pointed out that while increasing pressure is crucial, it is equally vital to ensure that the Belarusian public does not suffer from these international policies.

Slovenia has committed to providing expert legal consultations to the Unified Transitional Cabinet and the People’s Anti-Crisis Administration, specifically in matters related to holding Lukashenka accountable at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. Preliminary agreements were made to hold consultations in Ljubljana soon.

Due to the absence of a Slovenian diplomatic mission in Belarus, the issuance of visas for Belarusian citizens planning to travel to Slovenia was also discussed. Stuchyn promised to convey the request for visa facilitation to the consular department of Slovenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, possibly involving a third EU member state in the process.

Furthermore, Stuchyn informed that Slovenia is prepared to issue transit documents for Belarusian citizens residing in Slovenia who are facing issues with their identification documents, including expired passports. The Belarusian People’s Embassy in Slovenia is actively involved in this matter, with precedents already set for such document issuance.

The meeting also touched upon issues related to opening bank accounts for Belarusian citizens in Slovenian commercial banks, aiming to ease financial transactions for those affected by the ongoing crisis.

This collaboration marks a significant step in supporting Belarusian citizens amid their country's political turmoil, ensuring they receive necessary legal and logistical support while abroad. 

Source: The United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus 

In recent days, after two Belarusian citizens were deported from Sweden, with one of them arrested right at the border, there have been significant discussions about the asylum situation for Belarusians in Sweden. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Chief Advisor, Franak Viacorka, shares what Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office has done in response to the situation.

📎 Consultations are ongoing with the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Migration, the Lithuanian Embassy in Sweden, the Lithuanian government, and human rights defenders. Thanks to Dmitri Vasserman and the People’s Embassy in Sweden, we have managed to raise the issue to a high level.

📎 In recent months, the cooperation between the Office with the Swedish side has led to a reassessment of the situation in the country. Belarus is no longer considered a safe country for return. It is now crucial that the Migration Agency acts according to the new guidelines, as it makes decisions independently of the government. The Ministry of Migration has committed to facilitating and cooperating on this matter.

📎 The Office has proposed a moratorium on the deportation of our citizens to Belarus. The Migration Agency has pledged to review recent decisions on Belarusians within months, and we are negotiating to suspend deportations until the reviews are completed.

📎 Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’ Office is now developing guidelines and advice for Belarusians to help prevent similar situations.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, sent a letter to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, confirming that she is well aware of the case involving Belarusian movie director, activist, and journalist Andrei Hniot.

“The European Commission is in direct contact with the Serbian side. More specifically, the EU Delegation in Belgrade attended the court hearing and immediately contacted the authorities after the decision of the Higher Court. We have communicated our position on Mr. Hniot’s case to the country’s leadership and outlined our expectations. Andrei Hniot’s case must be handled in accordance with international human rights laws and EU standards”, noted Ursula von der Leyen.

The European Commission President also emphasized that EU countries have repeatedly conveyed the following to the Serbian authorities:

🔴 The arrest warrant for Mr. Hniot is politically motivated;

🔴 If extradited to Belarus, he would face persecution.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office works daily at the political level on the extradition issues faced by Belarusians in more than 15 countries. Regarding Andrei Hniet’s case, the Office is in constant communication with Belarusian and international human rights defenders, the foreign ministries of several European countries, representatives of EU bodies, the US, the UN, and Serbia. The Office also maintains regular contact with Andrei himself. Thanks to this cooperation between democratic forces and the international community, Interpol canceled its red notice for Andrei Hniot in July.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Mikalai (the name was changed for security reasons) spent almost two years in prison. In June, the man was released from Viciebsk colony № 3 on the expiration of his sentence. To avoid being put behind bars again, the former political prisoner was forced to leave Belarus. Mikalai told Viasna how prisoners are deprived of the right to medical care and forced to do hard labor, about denunciations of the Belarusian language, beatings of prisoners, as well as severe restrictions on political activity. 

"The sentence has not yet come into effect and they have already taken me to the penal colony"

The man was accused of participating in the post-election protests in Minsk and sentenced to imprisonment. Immediately after the trial and even before the appeal was considered, he was transferred to Viciebsk penal colony № 3. At that time his sentence had not yet become final.

"When someone is going to be transferred, they give you time to pack. But they just grabbed me in a few minutes and told me to pack my things quickly. And they took me to the penal colony. I was only in quarantine for an hour, I didn't even know where I was. I did not understand what was going on and I thought it was illegal. The sentence has not yet come into effect and they have already taken me to the penal colony.

And they did not understand what to do with me there because I had not yet been sentenced. So they put me in solitary confinement. The hardest thing when you sit like that is not knowing how long you have to sit and where you are. I ended up in solitary confinement for two months."

"Immediately they do everything to break a person"

After the appeal was heard, Mikalai was transferred to quarantine.

"You go to quarantine and immediately they do everything to break a person. Penal colony No. 3 is a "red" colony. Not "black," where thieves rule, but red. There are also many policemen there. Everyone is under the administration's leadership."

According to Mikalai, prisoners who come to the colony are forced to sign papers stating that the person agrees to do whatever the administration says.

"I don't understand why they don't shoot you"

"There is no medical care in the colony. There's analgin if it's a critical situation. 

And all the things that people say about their teeth are true. They don't want to provide dental care. If you get sick in the penal colony, there's nothing you can do, and no one will help you."

In addition, the former political prisoner said that there are two men in Viciebsk colony who were sentenced for making political statements, who have serious mental illnesses and therefore require special examination.

"A psychologist works in the colony. One day, the command went to the industrial zone and asked the psychologist why ordinary prisoners could be removed from the "suicidal" profile, but not political prisoners. And he said: "I don't understand why they don't shoot you."

"Three people seem to have died in just one day"

On May 7, 2023, Mikalai Klimovich, a 61-year-old political prisoner, blogger and social activist from Pinsk, died in Viciebsk Colony № 3. The man had a group II disability due to a disease of the heart system, suffered a stroke and complicated heart surgery. Nevertheless, the Pinsk court sentenced him to imprisonment. Mikalai spent a little more than two months in prison.

Mikalai was also in that colony. Viasna asked him if he knew about the death of a political prisoner.

"I heard about Klimovich's death. I suppose he did not survive the transfer. After all, there is a special attitude to political prisoners there. If a booth is for four people, and they push 20 people in there, it really is true. So if a person has a weak heart, he might not be able to stand it. And then the quarantine is very stressful. I think three people died there in one day."

"Many people are beaten in the colony"

Viasna often records facts about the use of physical violence against political prisoners. Most often, beatings and torture are used during arrest, but some continue to be abused in detention centers. Mikalai says that this also happens in the Viciebsk colony.

"Many people are beaten in the colony, not only political prisoners. If the staff doesn't like something, or if you give the wrong answer, they can certainly beat you. For example, those who are in the SHIZO. What difference does it make if even a lawyer is not allowed to visit them? So no one will know that you are sitting there beaten."

"We raise our hands and they count how many extremists and terrorists there are"

There is a special attitude to political prisoners in the colony, even sports were not allowed.

Once Mikalai refused to perform at a concert in a club in the colony, for which he was deprived of a Skype call. Political prisoners in general could not call their relatives for months, while every week is allowed.

"In addition, we raise our hands and they count how many extremists and terrorists there are. Murderers and drug addicts walk around with white tags, but we walk around with yellow tags. For every 40 people, there were 10 of us in the front - extremists.

People are in prison for nothing. You write "cockroach" and you get eight years. And there are murderers who get seven years for killing a man. I feel sorry for these people. Everyone is there: writers, poets, artists, IT specialists, former employees. There is someone interesting to talk to. Dzmitry Yurtayeu was imprisoned with us, and his books were in the library.

It is said that there are no friends in prison. That's not true. We were all friends."

"Are you crazy to speak Belarusian here?"

The administration does not approve of the Belarusian language in the colony. According to Mikalai, one of the employees tore up pictures and texts written in Belarusian.

"He said to me: "Are you crazy to speak Belarusian here?" There are people in the colony who make reports, so-called snitches, they tell the administration what these extremists are doing. And they can come and go through your bag looking for violations. And even with the first offense, they can send you to SHIZO (a punishment cell). And if there are three serious violations, they can add two more years to your sentence (under Article 411 of the Criminal Code). 

And this is not just because you speak Belarusian there. It's just a tense situation there because of the terrible conditions and the fact that there's little space and it's the same thing every day."

"It's so cold that you can die"

Mikalai says the conditions in the prisoners' cell-type facility (PKT) are terrible.

"No sunlight enters the cell. In winter it is very cold because the window is open. It is so cold that you can die. 

There are no mattresses in the SHIZO cells. Some sleep on an iron bed, others sleep on a wooden board.

They used to take me down these corridors to beat me up. All in all, there are single cells, and there are cells for four and six people."

"You just get poisoned by the USSR and that war"

"In the colonies there is very hard work that political prisoners are forced to do. Political prisoners do only hard work, they are not given light work. For example, we carry logs, boards. Some of them dismantle metal, and it gets so bad that their skin peels off. We also made some boxes, but we don't know what they are for. We made some uniforms for the Russian army. But I don't know exactly where they went.

There's also this cultural and correctional work all the time. They do propaganda there. All the time "war", "Soviet times", posters with "sickle and hammer" everywhere. You just get poisoned by the USSR and that war".

Political prisoners are forced to work even when they are ill. Mikalai remembers one time when he had a fever and was not allowed to see a doctor and was forced to go to work.

What saved in detention

"The administration, with its conditions, can make a tougher regime. It's hard. You wake up every day at six o'clock and the same thing starts. The only thing that saves you is books and trying to do sports. But it is important to eat well, and they make a salad out of the packages - they cut everything up and mix it. And when the package comes, it's a very hard day, because you have to lay everything out and sign it. And at that moment there can be some important things in the prison that you can't miss. And without packages, you can't survive on this food."

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on Belarus’ Independence Day:

“Dear Belarusians!

Belarus became an independent state on this day 33 years ago. What many generations of Belarusians had dreamed of finally became a reality. Our country returned to the map of Europe. We regained our state, our coat of arms, and our flag, and later adopted our own Constitution.

In Belarus’ history, the events of March 25, 1918, when the Belarusian Democratic Republic (BNR) proclaimed its independence, July 27, 1990, when the Declaration of State Sovereignty was adopted, and August 25, 1991, when the Declaration gained the status of constitutional law, all stand as milestones in Belarusians’ struggle for the right to have our own state.

Some people say that independence ‘fell out of a clear blue sky’. This is not true. Belarus’ independence became possible thanks to the struggle and work of generations of Belarusian patriots: the founding fathers of the BNR and the participants of the Slutsk Uprising; the Belarusian underground resistance; youth associations and the intelligentsia; the diaspora, which defended the interests of Belarusians across the world during the years of Soviet occupation; tens of thousands of Belarusians who, despite fear and propaganda, took to the central squares in Minsk and other cities and towns; and, of course, the brave opposition members of the Supreme Soviet who enshrined Belarus’ independence in foundational laws.

Our country’s entire history is actually about fighting for freedom. We rose every time they tried to enslave us. We waged partisan battles every time the army lacked soldiers. We transitioned to quiet protests and did not let the freedom-loving Belarusian heart stop beating every time it seemed all was lost.

Belarusians possess qualities that have always helped us endure dark times, like patience and diligence, tolerance and peace-loving nature, a sense of justice, and a love for our land. And I believe these qualities and our solidarity will allow us to reclaim our home, free people from prisons, and defend the independence of our country like they did before. As 2020 showed, we Belarusians know how to make ourselves known and surprise the world.

Let us all continue the fight. Do not let dictators make you lose faith or doubt the chosen path. Spread information among your neighbors, friends, and family. Speak Belarusian. Show solidarity. Help those in need, especially our political prisoners, the repressed, and volunteer fighters. Let these be small steps that you take daily. “Through storms and obstacles, we march towards our goal. And we will reach it, as long as it is still there”, said Ales Bialiatski, our wise and unbreakable Nobel laureate.

And I would like to address those who work within the system, in the state apparatus and the army. I know there are many decent people among you. Regardless of your views, positions, and duties, remember. Independence is the highest value and the greatest achievement of our people. Do not allow the regime to destroy what we achieved on August 25, 1991, sell our country to Russia, and drag our nation into war. You must serve the Belarusian people, not a criminal dictator who is willing to sacrifice the country’s independence to maintain his power.

In conclusion, I want to once again congratulate all Belarusians on August 25 – the Day of Restoration of Independence. But I am confident there will be another date – the day when the Belarusian people finally cast off the burden of dictatorship for good and, as Yakub Kolas wrote, emerge ‘into the open space, onto the broad expanse’ to rebuild our country for ourselves and future generations.

Long Live Belarus!”

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Constitutional Reform, Anatoli Liabedzka, explained in an interview with Navy Chas why the regime is rushing to conduct the “special operation” called a “presidential election”. He also spoke on how the democratic forces view this “campaign”.

📌 “The authorities tend to hold major events like elections in winter when people are more tied to their homes and workplaces. It’s easier to control them then”.

📌 “Whether it’s February 23 or April 1 – it doesn’t matter. What matters is that both the candidates and the outcome are predetermined”.

📌 “There are three groups of people. The first refuses to participate in the campaign because of election fraud. The second supports active actions. The third group includes people who might want to abstain but are dependent on the government through work or dormitories. All these people support free elections because they took to the streets in 2020. This is why we should prioritize fair elections. We need to work with both our supporters and those who are unsure”.

📌 “Politicians representing different groups need to agree not to engage in confrontation. If we waste time criticizing each other’s positions, we’ll lose the chance to engage with the broader society, including those who are hesitant. We won’t be able to explain that free and fair elections are not just about the right to vote but also about the economy, welfare, and salaries…”

📌 “There will be a battle inside the country. Lukashenka will try hard to create the impression that what happened in 2020 was something debatable but five years have passed, the page is turned, and people have supposedly come to their senses and, like sheep with their heads down, have returned to the shepherd”.

📌 “We need to find a compromise to offer something to Belarusians within Belarus. It must first and foremost be safe for people, and we must prioritize struggling for a free election rather than convincing each other of who’s right or wrong”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Why sanctions against the regime require a new approach, why it’s important to support Belarusians, why Belsat TV must be preserved, and what consequences the West might face if it excludes Belarus from the agenda – Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed all this in an interview with the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita.

📌 “Democratic countries must remember that aid for Belarus is not some kind of charity. It’s an investment in European security because Belarus has strategic importance. Let’s hope they haven’t missed the timing for this investment”.

📌 “People inside Belarus are not giving up. All the information about how the regime circumvents sanctions, its financial schemes, and details about nuclear weapons – we receive this from the regime insiders. They are our supporters”.

📌 “Sanctions must affect the regime’s trade, not ordinary people. The dictator doesn’t deserve such gifts. Discrimination against Belarusians only fuels Lukashenka’s propaganda. He will claim that the West doesn’t want our people and they are not welcome there”.

📌 “We must continue to fight. We have no moral right to say, ‘Sorry, it didn’t work out’. Neither do our partners. How will Western politicians look each other in the eye after abandoning the fight against Lukashenka?”

📌 “We’re not only focusing on building institutions in exile. We had to make sure that Belarusians both in exile and in the country receive appropriate support. Now there are many initiatives, each one focusing on specific problems”.

📌 “Belsat is a unique project. It’s the only Belarusian-language channel, an outstanding project launched by Poland. We are fighting against the massive propaganda machines of Lukashenka and Putin. We need to strengthen this fight, not weaken it. I am trying to explain this to our partners”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

For more than four years law enforcement agencies in Belarus have been carrying out mass repressions. Almost every week the number of political prisoners in the country increases, and every day human rights activists receive information about detainees' terrible conditions, pressure from the prison administration, and the worsening health of political prisoners in custody. Viasna reports the latest news about political prisoners.

48 people were recognized as political prisoners over the past week. At the moment there are 1,385 people on the list of political prisoners. In addition, human rights activists learned that 42 political prisoners had served their sentences and were released, including Vadzim Yermashuk, Dzianis Pishchala, Ruslan Akostka, Mikalai Kazlou and Bahdan Karavets.

Human rights activists also learned about the sentences of eight political prisoners in politically motivated cases:

• Siarhei Dziatsuk - another year in penal colony;

• Siarhei Yafimau - another year in penal colony;

• Andrei Kudzik - four years in prison;

• Natallia Levaya - six years in penal colony;

• Pavel Belaholau was sentenced to three years and four months in penal colony;

• Ales Sabaleuski - four years in penal colony;

• Yauhen Hlushkou - three years in penal colony;

• Natallia Malets - three and a half years in penal colony.

Military analyst Yahor Lebiadok was placed in SHIZO for 10 days

Judge Alena Misnik sentenced the political prisoner to five years’ imprisonment in a medium-security penal colony under Part 1 and Part 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code (promotion of extremist activity).

According to the case materials, Lebiadok "in order to support the activities of a public destructive channel, the information products of which were recognized by the court as extremist materials, gave an interview to a representative of the channel on the topic of the special military operation of the Russian armed forces in Ukraine and the role of Belarus in it".

Yahor is serving his sentence in Ivacevičy penal colony. According to MAYDAY TEAM, the political prisoner recently served at least 10 days in a punishment cell (SHIZO).

Political prisoner Viachaslau Maleichuk is tried for the third time for "malicious disobedience to the colony administration"

On February 10, 2023, Viachaslau, who was earlier sentenced to 23 years in prison, was also found guilty under Article 411 of the Criminal Code. Judge Mikalai Siarheika added him a year in penal colony. After the verdict Maleichuk was sent to penal colony No. 9 in Horki. A few months later he was prosecuted for the second consecutive criminal case under Part 2 of Article 411 of the Criminal Code.

His next trial took place on August 23 last year. Viachaslau did not admit his guilt. Judge Alena Verabyova added two more years of imprisonment to 23 years of colony.

On August 7, the third trial over the political prisoner for "disobedience to the administration" started in Mozyr District Court. Judge Anatol Strelchanka is considering the case. He can add two more years of imprisonment.

Political prisoner Andrzej Poczobut is still in a punishment cell (PKT)

The Hrodna journalist has been behind bars for 40 months. On February 8, 2023, he was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. Now he is serving his sentence in Navapolack colony No. 1, where he is constantly put under pressure.

During the action of solidarity with political prisoners in Bialystok, Marek Zaniewski, vice-chairman of the Union of Poles in Belarus, said that Poczobut was still kept in PKT:

"Unfortunately, there is no information about Andrzej. He continues to be in Navapolack, sitting in isolation and nothing is happening. All this information that has been playing for the last months, some people said that he was released, some people said that he was taken to the border.

Of course, none of this is true, it's all fake. We are very disappointed that such situations are happening. The situation with Andrzej remains very difficult and today we do not see it improving".

Political prisoner Viachaslau Sheliamet will be transferred to a prison security level 

Viachaslau, 23, has been in custody for almost four years. He was arrested on August 20, 2020 for participating in a protest in Pinsk on the night of August 9-10.

On April 30, 2021, in a criminal case under Part 2 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code, the Maskouski District Court of Brest rendered a verdict against 14 Pinsk political prisoners accused of "participation in mass riots". Viachaslau was sentenced to five and a half years in a medium-security penal colony.

He was sent to Viciebsk penal colony No. 3 to serve his sentence. According to "Brestskaya Viasna", on July 31 in Viciebsk there was a trial on Viachaslau's transfer to a prison security level. The decision was made by Judge Mikhail Zubenia.

Political prisoner Yury Ziankovich is being tried in a new criminal case

Yury is a lawyer who was convicted in the "conspirators' case". He was charged under a number of criminal articles and sentenced to 11 years in a medium-security penal colony.

On December 27, 2022, the court considered a new case against Yury on "insulting a government official" (Article 369 of the Criminal Code). According to preliminary information, Ziankovich was given additional six months.

At first, Yury served his sentence in Babruisk colony No. 2, where he was put under pressure. The political prisoner spent eight days in the punishment cell and went on hunger strike. Later, his punishment was increased and he was transferred to Mahilioŭ prison.

On August 7, the political prisoner was tried in Leninski District Court of Mahilioŭ for "malicious disobedience to the prison administration" under Part 2 of Article 411 of the Criminal Code. The case is being considered by Judge Viktoryia Paliakova.

Anarchist political prisoner Mikalai Dziadok has been held in a punishment cell for almost two months

In June Mikalai and many other political prisoners of Hrodna Prison No. 1 were sent to a punishment cell (SHIZO). Mikalai is still there. Besides, the political prisoner has been kept in solitary confinement for more than a year.

Mikalai was detained on November 11, 2020, and he was severely beaten and tortured. He was sentenced to five years in prison. All the time in detention he is under pressure.

Ihar Alinevich was transferred from the hospital in Kaliadzičy back to Žodzina prison

This is reported by the Telegram channel "Right to Revolt". At the end of June, Ihar was placed in the hospital in Kaliadzičy. The reason was unknown.

Ihar is an activist of the anarchist movement who was detained while crossing the border of Belarus on the night of October 28-29, 2020. He was charged under a number of criminal articles. As a result, Ihar was sentenced to 20 years in a high security prison.

Later he was transferred to Žodzina prison.

Activist Yauhen Afnahel was transferred to Mahilioŭ prison

The activist of "European Belarus", who was sentenced to seven years in prison, has been kept behind bars for three years and 10 months. In May, after two years in prison, the political prisoner was again transferred to Navapolack penal colony, where he had previously served his sentence.

Immediately upon his arrival at the institution the administration placed him in the SHIZO for 45 days, and then transferred him to a punishment cell (PKT). On July 29 , another trial was held in Navapolack to change Yauhen's prison security level. Judge Vital Lapko decided to transfer the political prisoner to prison until the end of his term. Yauhen was already transferred to Mahilioŭ.

Political prisoner Yauhen Kladou was not released after serving his first term and he will be tried again

The Baranavičy resident was arrested for 13 days in August 2023 and his phone was seized. But after that Yauhen was not released - in November 2023, a criminal trial was held. He was sentenced a year in jail for liking caricatures of Lukashenka on the internet.

Now it became known that a criminal case was opened against Kladou under new articles: "mass riots" (Article 293 of the Criminal Code), "incitement to hatred" (Article 130 of the Criminal Code) and "calls for actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus" (Article 361 of the Criminal Code). The resident of Baranavičy could face up to 12 years in penal colony, Yauhen was recently added to the list of "terrorists".

Political prisoner Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis

The political prisoner was supposed to be released on May 21 this year. But two days before her release she was transferred to Homieĺ Pre-trial detention center No. 3 as part of another criminal case under Article 411 of the Criminal Code (malicious disobedience to the demands of the administration of the penitentiary). Recently, Palina's relatives received an official response from the administration of the women's colony No. 24, stating that the woman was diagnosed with "chronic pancreatitis of medium severity". The husband of the political prisoner Andrei Sharenda told "Radio Svaboda" about it.

"We didn't know that she had pancreatitis, but there were reports that Palina had stomach aches and sudden weight loss. Once she lost so much weight that she weighed only 50 kilograms. However, all requests to the penal colony were officially answered that Palina was healthy and was allegedly receiving the necessary assistance.

Political prisoner Uladzimir Hundar was deprived of another short-term visit

Radio Racyja reported about it:

"He's already had some kind of offense that got him deprived of a short-term visit, which isn't due until September, but he's already been deprived. He himself doesn't know what for. They didn't even explain anything, they just said that he was deprived and that's all. And he doesn't even know for how long.

The defendant in the "Autukhovich case" was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison for several criminal cases. Upon arrival at the colony, he was placed in a punitive isolation cell several times. In early October 2023, it became known that Hundar's punishment was increased and he was transferred to a prison security level.

In Baranavičy, a former political prisoner, who had been released under amnesty, is on trial for "participation in protests"

On August 12, the trial of three local residents under Part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code started in Baranavičy District Court. Aliaksandr Tarasovich, Dzmitry Blashenitsa and Piotr Zinevich are accused of participation in the protests that took place four years ago. Their case is being considered by Aksana Litvinchyk.

Piotr Zinevich is a former political prisoner who was sentenced to two years of "khimiya" in 2021 for publishing a photo of a police officer with the inscription, which was considered as "slander".

On January 11, 2023, Piotr was released under the Amnesty Law. At the end of April 2024 Piotr was detained again together with several residents of Baranavičy. Now the man is kept in the pre-trial detention center.

Another former political prisoner from Baranavičy will be tried again

Vital Korshun is 37 years old. He was born in Baranavičy. He was tried for the first time in September 2021. A year before that, he left a comment about looking for the address of a riot police officer. According to the version of the riot policeman himself, Siarhei Balabanovich, after this post he was very scared, although Korshun quickly deleted it. As a result, the entrepreneur was sentenced to two months' imprisonment.

The next time Vital was detained in January 2024.

Korshun's trial will start on August 13 in Brest Regional Court. He is accused under five political articles: "slander against Lukashenka" (Part 2 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code), "participation in actions that grossly violate public order" (Part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code), "organization of mass riots" (Part 1 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code), "calls for sanctions" (Part 3 of Article 361) and "incitement to hatred" (Part 1 of Article 130 of the Criminal Code). The political prisoner faces up to 12 years in penal colony. He will be tried by Sviatlana Kremenieuskaya.

Political prisoners are massively forced to write petitions for pardon

According to Viasna human rights activists, representatives of the Minsk Prosecutor's Office come to Navapolack penal colony No. 1 every day, forcing political prisoners to write petitions for pardon. But this applies only to those sentenced to short terms.

It is also known that in some penal colonies political prisoners are placed in punishment cells for refusing to write a petition, and some are threatened with a new criminal case under Article 411 of the Criminal Code (malicious disobedience to the requirements of the administration of the penitentiary institution).

In addition, human rights activists receive evidence that Yury Vaskrasenski has become active in recent weeks - he calls relatives of political prisoners and tells them about the conditions and circumstances of pardon, agitating for their relatives behind bars to write a petition to Lukashenka.

According to Viasna, on July 3, 18 political prisoners were released on amnesty or pardon. Among them there were four women and 14 men, including Ryhor Kastusiou, a cancer patient.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

“Voice Across Borders: Belarus Global Awareness” is an ambitious initiative designed to confront and illuminate the severe political and human rights crisis engulfing Belarus. 

Following the 2020 election, Belarus has found itself at a critical crossroads, with increasing political oppression, threats to its cultural identity, and erosion of sovereignty due to external pressures. This project aims to counter these challenges by elevating global awareness and fostering a unified international response.

What are we doing?

We are launching a solidarity relay that will involve different countries and diasporas and will end in December 2024. The relay will include exhibitions, concerts, discussions and webinars, talking about Belarus, our culture and the challenges we face. We are also raising funds to help Belarusians affected by the regime, including vulnerable groups like the elderly, disabled, and children of political prisoners.

Why is this important?

On average, relatives spend €2000 per year per political prisoner. Rehabilitation of a released person could cost anything from €6000 in Europe and from €2000 in Belarus. Today there are about 1500 recognised political prisoners in Belarusian prisons, and the same number of people have recently been released. And there are also thousands of people who have suffered for their position and need help. 

Our goal is to raise €500,000 which would go to help those who found themselves in need due to a barbaric treatment of the dictatorship regime.

How can you help?

Your donation can change someone's life. 

For example:
€10 can purchase essential medications for one person of a political prisoner with nece
€15 can provide a child of a political prisoner with necessary stationery
€20 can provide a family of a political prisoner with grocery supplies for a few days.
€50 can provide warm clothes for a political refugee in need

This is an ambitious project and we hope to make it a success to establish it as a regular annual initiative in solidarity with Belarus

Our project is led by a dedicated team of representatives of Belarusian initiatives and solidarity funds, including the People's Embassies of Belarus and the following foundations -  the Country to Live in, BYSOL, ByHelp and Dissidentby. Our experience and commitment ensures that every donation is used effectively to support our mission.

Please join us on our journey, learn more about project’s events, and rejoice in our successes:

Facebook: Voices Across Borders
Instagram: voices_acrossborders

Thank you for your support and solidarity! 

Sincerely,
The “Voices Across Borders” Team.

Source: BYSOL

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya had declared August 9, 2024, as the Day of Solidarity with Belarus, marking the fourth anniversary of the presidential election rigged by the dictator and the beginning of the Belarusian people’s struggle for a free country.

Yesterday, representatives from Lithuania, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, the USA, the UK, Ukraine, Germany, Canada, Ireland, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Austria, Iceland, Italy, France, Georgia, Australia, as well as the President of the European Parliament and MPs from various countries, and officials of the European Commission made statements in support of democratic Belarus.

Here are some of the statements by international leaders, politicians, and diplomats released on the Day of Solidarity with Belarus:

President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda:

“Four years since the start of Lukashenka’s repression campaign against Belarusian people who stood up for freedom and democracy. Lithuania is home to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and many Belarusians who fled the persecution. We believe in the democratic future of Belarus. Freedom spirit always prevails!”

Joint statement from the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU:
“Four years on from the fraudulent 2020 presidential election and the appalling human rights crackdown in Belarus, the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus who, in spite of continued repression by the Lukashenko regime, have peacefully and courageously pressed for democratic change, respect for human rights, and the release of all political prisoners.  We affirm that the sanctions we have recently announced represent a coordinated, multilateral effort to advance accountability for the Lukashenka regime”.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Tobias Billström:
“It’s been four years since the Lukashenka regime illegally and brutally stole the election in Belarus. But Sweden will stand behind the Belarusian people and its indisputable right to once again have democracy and freedom. Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya is the leader of the Belarusian democratic opposition and we support her”.

Foreign Office of Germany:

“Today marks the fourth anniversary of the fraudulent presidential election in Belarus when hundreds of thousands of brave people took to the streets in support of democracy. We have not forgotten them, just as we have not forgotten Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, whose tireless work continues to give many people in Belarus courage and hope, despite the massive repression. This deeply impresses us”, said [Minister] Baerbock. “We remember all those unlawfully imprisoned, often without the ability to contact their loved ones. The idea of freedom and democracy cannot be imprisoned. We will continue to strive for their release. #StandWithBelarus”.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir:

“The regime in Belarus staged a fake election 4 years ago. Lukashenka has no legitimacy. Cheaters don’t get to call themselves winners. Every day brave people like my friend Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya show that there is hope for the people of Belarus”.

White House National Security Communications Advisor, John Kirby:
“Since taking office, President Biden has made it clear: The United States firmly supports the people of Belarus in their pursuit of a democratic future. The US will continue to defend human rights and freedom of expression in Belarus, as well as hold the Lukashenka regime accountable for its actions. […] As the President told the leader of the Belarusian opposition: We will continue to support the people of Belarus in their courageous quest for democracy”.

 US Senator, Jeanne Shaheen:

“Today marks four years since fraudulent elections in Belarus kept Putin’s puppet, Lukashenka, in power. The US continues to recognize Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya as the democratically elected leader of Belarus and will remain stalwart in our support for those fighting for freedom in Belarus”.

Caucus “For Democratic Belarus!” in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine:

“The Verkhovna Rada’s caucus “For Democratic Belarus!” consistently advocates for condemning the de-facto occupation of Belarus by Russia and calls on the President of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to recognize this at the state level. We also appeal to partner countries to support Belarusians who continue to fight against the regime both within Belarus and beyond its borders. Long Live Belarus! Glory to Ukraine!”

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The New Belarus Conference 2024, organized by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, took place in Vilnius on August 3-4, gathering over 300 representatives of Belarusian civil society organizations and political bodies, politicians, diplomats, experts, activists, and journalists. More than 100 organizations and initiatives were represented. The conference was watched online by over 70,000 users on various platforms.

During the conference, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and representatives of the United Transitional Cabinet and the Coordination Council addressed numerous issues relevant to Belarusians, including the New Belarus Passport, political prisoner exchange, the strategy for the 2025 election in Belarus, and more.

Key events of the conference included the signing of the Protocol for Cooperation formalizing relations between different bodies of Belarus’ democratic forces and the presentation of Platform 2025 shaping the framework of activities for 2025.

The following declarations were released following the conference: “Unconstitutional Seizure of Power: Why A. Lukashenka Must Be Barred from the 2025 Election”, Declaration on Accountability and Restoring Justice, Declaration on the Foreign Policy Priorities of Democratic Belarus, Draft Declaration on Support for Independent Media, Draft Declaration on the Need for the Release and Support for Political Prisoners, and Draft Declaration on the Youth Policy of the Democratic Forces of Belarus. These documents reflect the key goals and objectives of the democratic forces of Belarus for the near future.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya awarded the Unbowed Medal (Larysa Henijush Medal) to 13 former political prisoners for significant contributions to the Belarusian people’s struggle for human rights and democratic freedoms.

The conference also featured side events that took place on August 2 and 5.

During the New Belarus Conference, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya announced new appointments to the United Transitional Cabinet. She nominated Vadzim Kabanchuk for the Representative for Defense and National Security, Marharyta Vorykhava for the Representative for Youth and Student Affairs, and Ambassador Vladzimir Astapenka for the Representative for International and European Cooperation. The new representatives are to be approved by the Coordination Council.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

“We did not participate in these negotiations and have limited information. Unfortunately, we have no evidence that this exchange could lead to the release of political prisoners in Belarus. Evidently, these were negotiations with Moscow, and Belarus was not involved.

We welcome the release of political prisoners from Russian prisons. Such a prisoner exchange is itself an important precedent that could also help achieve the release of Belarusians. It is clear that an exchange for release assumes that there is someone or something to exchange for. This distinguishes the Belarusian situation from the Russian one.

We utilize every opportunity and tool to get our people out of prisons. We regularly raise this issue with Western partners. Consultations take place in various formats, though, of course, privately. We know that diverse efforts are being made to free Belarusians. Unfortunately, the problem lies not with Western partners but with the regime, which is not interested in releasing people and openly demonstrates this”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

How the Desire to Return Home Turns into a Prison Sentence

For the past three years, there have been reports of Belarusians who left the regime and then returned home, only to face repression. Many, while abroad, might have thought that this could never happen to them, that the authorities had forgotten, or that too much time had passed. But that is far from the truth.

On July 23, Nasha Niva published an article about Natalia Levaya, who returned to Belarus after a long time. According to the article, on July 17, she was sentenced to 6 years in a penal colony and fined 40,000 rubles.

Natalia, 38 years old, is a professional 2D artist who lived in Poland and was very eager to return to Belarus. Despite her colleagues advising her against returning, her desire to go back to her homeland was stronger. She even paid donations for 2020 in excess, for which she received a certificate from the KGB. With this certificate, she headed back to Belarus.

However, the Homeland Did Not Greet Her with Open Arms

Natalia was detained at the border. On July 17, the Brest City Court charged her with three offenses: "Funding of War," "Funding of Extremist Organizations," and "Funding of Extremist Activities." Six years in a penal colony is the price she paid for her desire to return to her homeland, believing that the KGB would not bother her due to the so-called compensation.

Why do we highlight this story? It is a clear example of the regime's lies, its repressive policies, and its hatred towards its own citizens.

Earlier this year, human rights activists reported over 200 Belarusians who were detained upon returning to their homeland. Many of them appealed to the "return commission," but this did not save them. Among them was Tatyana Kurilina, who was accused of administering protest chats and sentenced to four and a half years in a penal colony. Brest resident Igor Nemirovich also appealed to the commission and returned to Belarus, receiving a one-year prison sentence. There are hundreds of such examples.

Do Not Trust the Safety of Returning Home

For example, Lukashenko established his own commission for the return of citizens. But what do we see in practice? People who trusted these promises return home and find themselves behind bars. This commission has become yet another tool for luring opposition-minded citizens and then persecuting them.

Another of his initiatives is the scheme for donations. And once again, the result is the same: people pay huge sums, hoping for protection, but instead face arrests and prison sentences. These donations turned out to be another way to extract money from citizens under false pretenses.

Finally, the recently introduced visa-free regime for European citizens also turned out to be a trap. Behind the attractive promises of freedom of movement lies the reality: the regime detained a German citizen and sentenced him to death. This means that even for foreigners, Belarus remains an extremely unsafe place.

All this confirms that returning to a country ruled by Lukashenko's regime is highly risky and dangerous for Belarusians. No "commissions," "compensations," or "repentances" guarantee safety. This is something that everyone currently safe abroad and considering returning home needs to be reminded of.

Source: NAM

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, comments on the possible compulsory job assignments for Belarusian university and college graduates to Russia:

“The annual increase in quotas for Belarusian youth in Russian universities, reaching a record 1,300 spots for 2024, is not just about education. This is a strategic move to limit access to democratic values and academic freedoms. It’s also an attempt to more tightly bind Belarus to Russia through a new generation of young, intelligent, and talented people.

By attracting Belarusian students and integrating them into the Russian educational and employment systems, Russia aims to mitigate the effects of its demographic crisis. However, this limits the autonomy of Belarusian youth and turns them into ‘human capital’ for the Russian economy.

This policy is being implemented against the backdrop of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Moscow’s attempt to increase control over Belarusian youth and limit their access to European educational and employment opportunities is part of a broader influence and control strategy.

Belarusian youth deserve the right to choose their educational and professional paths without coercion or influence. We are working to expand programs for Belarusian youth to study in European universities and participate in international exchanges”.

Ms. Vorykhava’s full statement in Belarusian is available in the video.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

How many foreigners are in the prison of Lukashenko's regime? Why has Lukashenko taken them hostage? What does he need them for? Why is he negotiating with them? And how is all this related to the sanctions? Today, we will discuss the foreign political prisoners in Lukashenko’s prisons.

Let's start with another question. Why are Belarusian neighboring countries from the EU imposing restrictions at the border? There are several answers to this question: the migration war initiated by Lukashenko with Russia's involvement, the Lukashenko regime's participation in aggression against Ukraine—essentially in the war on the borders of the European Union, the presence of thousands of political prisoners in Belarusian jails, including EU citizens. There can be many answers, but they all share a common characteristic—these are deliberate, targeted, and systemic actions by Lukashenko and his associates, for which only Lukashenko and his associates are responsible.

There is also another significant factor. Both the detention of EU citizens in Belarus, the storming of the borders of EU member states by migrants with the assistance of Lukashenko's security forces, and the recent killing of a Polish soldier at the Poland-Belarus border can be described by one common characteristic. All of these actions pose a threat to the national security of Belarus's neighboring countries. These are actions by the Lukashenko regime that represent a threat to our neighbors.

Foreign citizens, including citizens of EU countries, continue to be held hostage by the regime. Today, citizens of Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, as well as Ukraine, the USA, and other countries remain in captivity. According to the human rights center “Vesna” about 25 foreign nationals are now held in places of deprivation of liberty on political grounds. They are persecuted for participating in protests, making comments, passing information to independent media, and even to their relatives abroad, and are also accused of “espionage” and “agent activity.”

Recently, the Belarusian information portal Zerkalo.io published a memo highlighting what foreigners should be prepared for if they wish to take advantage of visa-free entry and what risks and consequences such actions may have. The journalists of the publication note that in Belarus, a foreigner can be taken hostage to later negotiate for the regime’s foreign policy goals—an example being a German citizen; a foreigner will have to seriously reconsider their tastes and wardrobe since wearing clothing and accessories in “incorrect” colors can lead to imprisonment in Belarus; the use of unapproved historical symbols is prohibited; criticism of Lukashenko can easily lead to imprisonment, and even death in captivity.

Furthermore, speaking out against the war is prohibited, as an anti-war stance can also lead to imprisonment, and charity work can be considered support for extremism—resulting in the loss of both money and freedom.

And the obvious question arises: how many foreigners are willing to take such risks? How many are ready to accept Mr. Ryzhenkov’s invitation to become hostages in Belarus, to be traded like commodities?

Source: NAM

Leanid Marozau: “Today, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office was informed about the case initiated by the Lukashenka regime against a German citizen. Rico Krieger was charged under several terrorism-related articles, resulting in a death sentence after the trial.

We contacted representatives of the German Federal Foreign Office to share evidence showing that a foreign citizen in Belarus faces the death penalty.

Unfortunately, the Lukashenka regime continues to use execution as a form of punishment. In a civilized society, such treatment is unacceptable. However, as we see, the value of human life means nothing to this system. Political prisoners who are dying in prisons due to the regime’s policies are proof of that.

I sincerely hope that through joint efforts, democratic countries can save the life of a person accused of serious crimes on dubious grounds”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya participated in the European Political Community Summit in the United Kingdom, where she held negotiations with the leaders of several countries.

⚪️  With the new leadership of the United Kingdom – the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and the Foreign Minister, David Lammy, – the Belarusian leader discussed the political situation in Belarus. She emphasized the need to secure the release of political prisoners and support their families, as well as assist civil society and the media. The parties also discussed potential ways to formalize the relations between the UK and democratic forces, joint international initiatives, possible bilateral consultations, and other forms of cooperation between the UK and Belarus’ democratic forces.

🔴  Additionally, the Belarusian leader met with dozens of world politicians, including the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

The politicians discussed:

📌 Crafting a unified European response to Russian aggression and including Belarus in the international agenda.

📌 Strengthening solidarity and solidifying the European future of a democratic Belarus.

📌 Supporting the fight for freedom and democracy in Belarus, cultural and linguistic revival, as well as humanitarian aid for political prisoners.

📌 Expanding cooperation to include new governments and further strengthening international ties.

⚪️  With the Prime Minister of Ireland, Simon Harris, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed holding a Belarusian-Irish conference focusing on preserving culture and national identity. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also informed Mr. Harris about the international humanitarian fund in support of political prisoners and urged Ireland to join it.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During the European Political Community Summit in the United Kingdom, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I was pleased to see the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, as well as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, at the summit. I expressed words of support and gratitude for their firm stance and support for Belarusians. Armenia recently granted asylum to Belarusians who fled the regime’s repression. Armenia also refused to participate in events organized by the official Minsk. I expressed support for Armenia in its efforts towards European integration”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During the European Political Community Summit in the United Kingdom, the Belarusian leader met with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Siliņa. 

Ms. Tsikhanouskaya highlighted the contentious nature of the recent decisions by the Baltic states to restrict the entry of Belarusian-registered vehicles. She emphasized that these measures primarily affect Belarusians, not the regime, and called for easing entry rules for individuals.

“We are aware that this restriction was implemented according to EU instructions, and we understand that the restrictions were introduced for security reasons and to close loopholes. However, this particular restriction does not solve any problems. This is a rash decision. Therefore, we ask Latvia and other EU countries to consider broad exemptions. At the same time, I welcome that passenger bus traffic has been maintained,” said Ms. Tsikhanouskaya after the meeting.

The leader has also previously raised the issue of restrictions in meetings with Donald Tusk, Radosław Sikorski, Gitanas Nausėda, and Josep Borrell.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Restrictions on the entry of Belarusian-registered vehicles are a hasty and harmful decision. It primarily hurts the people, not the Lukashenka regime. Therefore, we are trying to convince our partners to revert or amend this decision. We are in contact with Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, emphasizing the need to make exceptions for Belarusians entering the EU in their own cars.

We have a reached mutual agreement that restrictions must not affect passenger transportation. Belarusians living in the European Union will also be able to re-register their cars with European license plates.

However, we are aware that this relief still does not solve the mobility problem for Belarusians. For them, the border with the European Union is a border with the free world. It should be open to Belarusians who do not support the regime and see the future of their country in Europe. We will keep defending Belarusians’ interests”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

We are talking about a cell in the literal sense of the word. It’s about 1.5 meters long and 2 meters wide, resembling a rectangular cage with metal bars. There isn’t a chair or even a bench inside. The prison administration forces the women to stand there for the entire duration of their punishment. Sitting is forbidden and will only make their confinement last longer.

The cage is located outside, and prisoners can be put there at any time, regardless of the weather. Women are forced to stand there in the rain, scorching sun, or freezing cold, often for up to three or four hours at a time. If a prisoner is held there until nightfall, she risks missing her meal.

Kasia Budzko, a former political prisoner who spent two and a half years in a women’s prison for her pro-democracy stance, shared this horrifying reality of a Belarusian prison. There are many punishments designed to humiliate and degrade those imprisoned. One of the most appalling is the confinement of political prisoners in a cage.

In Belarus today, it’s easy to end up behind bars. Simply disagreeing with the Lukashenko regime’s ideology is enough. But what will land you in a cage within a cage?

Political prisoners who violate any prison rule are placed there. This could be for fighting, or any other “incident.” The definition of “incident” is extremely broad. A woman can be sent to the cage for having a panic attack or for formally refusing a work assignment. According to former political prisoner Daria Chultsova, every woman in the colony knows that any “rudeness” towards the prison administration will get you sent straight to the cage. “Rudeness” can include any expression of personal opinion. It doesn’t even have to be said in a rude or impolite tone. Simply disagreeing with something and offering an explanation is enough. Even something as small as an incorrectly sewn button is enough to get you thrown in a cage. The administration might also send a woman to the cage as a preventative measure, to demonstrate to other prisoners what happens to those who break the rules.

In reality, no real reason is needed to put someone in a cage. The prison administration acts with impunity. This is a daily practice where humiliation and human rights violations have become the norm.

The cage isn’t just physical violence; it’s psychological torture. The prison administration deliberately creates the most difficult conditions possible for the prisoners.

Putting a person in a cage violates both international and national law. According to materials from the human rights center Viasna, this practice violates Part 2 of Article 10 of the Criminal Executive Code of the Republic of Belarus, as well as Rules 39 and 47 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules). The right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment and the right to humane treatment and respect for the inherent dignity of the human person are being violated.

The resilience of Belarusian women is astounding. According to one former political prisoner, she witnessed a woman stage a protest from inside her cage. Another former prisoner shared a story about a young woman who smiled throughout her entire ordeal. We must all show the same tenacity and persistence in fighting for the freedom of every political prisoner.

It’s important to remember that there are still over 1,400 officially recognized political prisoners and over 5,000 people imprisoned on politically motivated charges in Belarus. They are all living in inhumane conditions, and every single one of them is fighting for their life.

“This is truly horrific news. The fact that Belarusian women are being subjected to such inhumane torture is a blatant violation of international law and the most basic human rights. The world needs to know about the egregious crimes against humanity being committed by the Lukashenko regime, and Lukashenko himself must be held accountable. Our team, the National Anti-Crisis Management, along with our partners, has prepared all the necessary materials to refer the “situation in Belarus” to the International Criminal Court. The basis for this referral is the commission of crimes against humanity by Lukashenko and his accomplices. From May 2020 to May 2023 alone, at least 136,000 Belarusians became victims of crimes against humanity, including murder, enforced disappearances, torture, politically motivated sentences, and more. According to the UN, at least 300,000 Belarusians were forcibly deported from Belarus, primarily to Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. That’s 3.5% of the Belarusian population. At a recent meeting with Lukashenko in Astana at the SCO summit, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres directly expressed to the dictator his principled position on the need to end the repression in Belarus. I implore the foreign ministers of Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, as representatives of the countries most supportive of the Belarusian people, to take a stand, show their will, and refer Lukashenko’s case to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. It’s high time to use every available tool of international and national law to bring this dictator to justice.

People of Belarus, we keep fighting together for the freedom of the European Belarusian people.

Democracy will not prevail in Belarus until the dictator and his accomplices are held accountable,” emphasized Pavel Latushka, deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet and head of the National Anti-Crisis Management.

Source: NAM

The Belarusian leader participated in an international conference dedicated to Captive Nations Week. The event took place at the Victims of Communism Museum during the NATO Summit in Washington, where participants discussed how the legacy of totalitarianism affects current events in Eastern Europe.

In her speech, the Belarusian leader highlighted the consequences of communism for Belarus.

📎 “Russification: The Belarusian language faced discrimination, and the number of schools teaching in Belarusian decreased. There were deliberate efforts to destroy the culture. Lukashenka continues this policy”.

📎 “Mass repression: Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians were executed or sent to the Gulag. On a single night in 1937, the NKVD killed a hundred representatives of the national elite”.

📎 “Anti-Western agenda: After World War II, the United States and democratic countries were declared the new enemy. Today, Putin and Lukashenka refer to them as the ‘collective West’”.

📎 “Environment: Natural resources were depleted by the centrally planned economy. The Belarusian people and nature suffered the most from the Chornobyl disaster, which was a result of incompetent leadership”.

📎 “Economy: Private property was replaced by state ownership. Today, the most important industries in Belarus are owned by the state – in other words, by Lukashenka and his family”.

📎 “Human rights: There is no freedom of speech or association in Belarus. Just like in communist times, there are no independent media. Most NGOs have been banned and left Belarus, and civil society has been completely destroyed”.

📎 “Dictatorship: We haven’t had democracy in more than 70 years. We couldn’t elect political leaders or local officials who were simply appointed by the party, just as they are appointed by Lukashenka today”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Karanik claims that Belarus ranks 4th or 5th in the world for its doctor-to-population ratio. 

This is a lie.

Recent data reveals a stark decline in the number of doctors in Belarus, plummeting by 7,000 in 2023 alone. The Lukashenko regime began manipulating statistics related to practicing doctors in 2020, coinciding with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The motive behind this manipulation was to deceive international organizations, securing funding for Ministry of Health projects.

In June, Belarus celebrated Medical Worker Day, a holiday honoring those in the demanding profession of caring for the sick, alleviating suffering, and saving lives.

On June 12, 2024, a celebratory event marked the 105th anniversary of the Belarusian healthcare system and Medical Workers' Day. At the Palace of the Republic, Kochanova congratulated the assembled doctors. The Chairman of the Council of the Republic stressed the Belarusian government's supposed commitment to healthcare and made a number of hypocritical and cynical pronouncements.

Let's deconstruct the myths propagated by Kochanova

Here is a direct quote from Natallia Kochanova:

“Healthcare is one of the priority areas of state social policy. Funding is allocated, new medical institutions are being built, existing ones are being reconstructed, new modern equipment is being purchased, new pharmaceuticals are being produced at our enterprises, and educational institutions annually train professionals for the healthcare industry.”

Let's examine the reality of healthcare in Belarus.

Here are just a few facts: According to Belstat, the number of healthcare organizations has dwindled from 874 in 1990 to 569 in 2023. This reduction is particularly pronounced in the Viciebsk region (from 161 to 96) and the Mahilou region (from 124 to 56).

Furthermore, it is currently impossible to determine the number of hospital beds available during this period, as Belstat has not released this data for several years.

It is safe to assume that the number of hospital beds is also declining sharply.

Furthermore, Belarusians are increasingly witnessing the closure of medical centers in small villages and towns.

First, libraries and local shops disappeared, replaced by traveling vendors. Then post offices vanished. Now it’s the turn of medical clinics.

Residents of small villages are left without access to basic medical care. They can no longer get quick medical advice, have simple lab tests done, get their blood pressure checked, or have their heart and lungs examined. The closure of hospitals and medical centers has severely impacted access to healthcare. Residents of remote areas must travel long distances to receive medical services, a significant hardship for the elderly and low-income individuals.

Without regular medical supervision, the risk of chronic diseases worsening and new diseases going undetected increases significantly.

This decreased access to healthcare will likely lead to higher healthcare costs in the long run. More complicated and severe medical conditions will arise, requiring more expensive treatments.

But do Lukashenko and his cronies care? This illegitimate regime has secured excellent healthcare for themselves while concealing the true morbidity and mortality rates from the public. They are and will always be indifferent to the health and well-being of the Belarusian people.

The lack of adequate healthcare is driving people out of villages and into cities or abroad. This exodus further weakens already sparsely populated areas and stifles economic activity.

The remaining healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, leading to a decline in the quality of care. Medical professionals are overworked and resources are stretched thin.

And yet, against this backdrop of deterioration and despair, Karanik has the audacity to claim that Belarus ranks 4th or 5th in the world for its doctor-to-population ratio.

This is simply untrue.

To support this claim, Karanik cites Belstat data from the end of 2023, which reports 136,500 medical workers and 53.2 practicing doctors per 10,000 people. However, this data is based on an adjusted methodology for calculating the number of practicing doctors, and Belstat has not provided any details about this new methodology. Instead of using the actual number of working medical specialists (48,134 according to official statistics), they are including all individuals with higher medical education, including administrators, educators, and other non-practicing professionals.

Furthermore, the data on practicing doctors includes all medical professionals, so dentists are being counted as well.

The number of practicing physicians is also presented in full-time equivalents. This means that two doctors working 1.5 full-time equivalents each would be counted as three doctors.

Belstat itself has inadvertently revealed these manipulations.

The latest edition of their annual publication, “Belarus in Figures,” reports 7,400 fewer practicing doctors than the previous year, with a total of 41,300 practicing doctors, or 45.1 per 10,000 people.

Based on the most recent data, the number of doctors in Belarus plummeted by 7,000 in 2023 alone. The Lukashenko regime began actively manipulating statistics on practicing doctors in 2020, coinciding with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. These manipulations were intended to mislead international organizations, allowing the regime to secure funding for Ministry of Health projects under false pretenses.

As of July 1, 2024, there were 4,943 unfilled vacancies for medical professionals and 4,165 vacancies for nurses.

The Homiel State Medical University website lists 5,351 unfilled healthcare positions in Belarus.

Can Lukashenko's regime find a way out of this crisis?

No.

All legitimate mechanisms for regulating the healthcare labor market have been exhausted. The only remaining options are coercion and repression.

These tactics might stabilize the situation temporarily, but the long-term outlook points to complete collapse.

The Belarusian people have already witnessed the regime's disregard for their health and well-being during the coronavirus pandemic. They saw firsthand that Lukashenko places no value on human life.

The people saw the truth and demanded, "GO AWAY!"

But Lukashenko clings desperately to power, frantically reshuffling his inner circle as he fears a repeat of the 2020 protests.

Source: NAM

On July 2, Aliaksandr Lukashenka signed the Law On Amnesty in Connection with the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Belarus from Nazi Invaders. It, like previous similar laws, does not grant amnesty for persons "involved in extremist and terrorist activities." Nevertheless, several political prisoners were released. 

As of July 5, Viasna human rights defenders know for certain about 17 political prisoners who were amnestied on July 3. Among them are three women and 14 men, including Ryhor Kastusiou, a cancer patient who was sentenced to 10 years in a penal colony. According to the information of Viasna, some of the political prisoners were pardoned, not amnestied.

 Human rights defenders do not publish the names of other released prisoners for their safety. 

The fact that political prisoner Ryhor Kastusiou was amnestied was confirmed to human rights defenders by relatives of the political prisoner. 67-year-old chairman of the BPF Party Ryhor Kastusiou was held behind bars for more than three years. He was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. In imprisonment, Ryhor's health problems worsened: he was diagnosed with cancer.

Information about other released persons is being checked and clarified.

Source: Human Rights Center "Viasna" 

Throughout 2023, the National Anti-Crisis Management team meticulously compiled dossiers on 179 Belarusian athletes affiliated with military or security forces operating under the Lukashenko regime. These dossiers were then submitted to international partners. As a result of this effort, it has been confirmed that several of these athletes have been deemed ineligible to compete in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

In December 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Committee established stringent eligibility criteria for the participation of Belarusian athletes in the 2024 Paris Games. Subsequently, in March 2024, the IOC Executive Board formed the Athlete Individual Eligibility Review Panel (AINERP).

The AINERP is responsible for verifying the eligibility of athletes holding Russian or Belarusian passports to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games, based on the decisions made by the IOC Executive Board and established principles. This verification process involves drawing upon information from various sources, including official lists of athletes associated with military and security forces in Belarus.

In accordance with the established verification rules, not all athletes under review were deemed eligible or invited to participate in the Paris Olympics. The National Anti-Crisis Management played a crucial role in providing information about Belarusian athletes with ties to military structures. This information included details about prominent figures such as Irina Kurochkina and Vanessa Kolodinskaya, both leaders within the wrestling team.

The list of eligible athletes will be subject to updates based on ongoing AINERP decisions.

"The formation of a dedicated group to assess athletes' compliance with IOC criteria, along with the denial of entry to Belarusian athletes linked to military structures, represents a significant step towards safeguarding the integrity of sport and protecting it from political manipulation," said Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management. "The unwavering commitment of free athletes to upholding Olympic values must not be in vain."

Source: NAM

Chief Advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Franak Viacorka, and Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski, participated in the conference “The EU Integration Prospects for Ukraine and Belarus: Assessing the future”. The event was held in London and featured officials, politicians, experts, and representatives of the EU and its member states’ special envoys for Belarus.

The Belarusian section focused on Belarusians’ readiness for a European choice and a European future. Additionally, discussions addressed what the EU and European bodies can do to support Belarus on its path to European integration.

Franak Viacorka notes that the Belarusian issue is returning to the agenda.

“In London, the issue of Belarus is rarely discussed, so the conference and its level show that interest is returning. In a week, an election will take place in the UK, and it is crucial that the new government keeps Belarus on the agenda and has a developed strategy vis-a-vis Belarus. Perhaps the points discussed at today’s conference will be included in this strategy. Today’s discussion on Ukraine and Belarus has proven to be very timely”, comments the advisor.

The full comment on the conference is available in Belarusian in video.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

On June 28th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the release of Ukrainian citizens, some previously recognized as political prisoners, from detention under the Lukashenko regime. 

NAM expert opinion on the matter

Although Belarus committed an act of aggression against Ukraine by allowing its territory to be used as a staging ground for the Russian invasion, it is not legally considered a party to the armed conflict. Article 2 of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 outlines the conditions for recognizing a state as a party to an armed conflict, and Belarus does not meet these criteria.

Assuming the exchange adhered to the rules of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, the parties involved were Russia and Ukraine, the two countries engaged in an international armed conflict. Therefore, the civilians returned to Ukraine, despite being detained in Belarus, were de jure handed over to Russia and treated as internees under Articles 41, 42, 43, 68, and 78 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

Ukraine and Russia have established procedures for exchanging prisoners of war and interned civilians. This instance falls under that existing framework, with Belarus remaining legally outside the process.

However, this situation, along with other instances of direct military activity, provides further evidence that the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine has extended into Belarusian territory. Therefore, while Belarus may not be a party to the conflict, it is accurate to state that the conflict is taking place on Belarusian soil between Ukraine and Russia.

Source: NAM

Restoring the rights of victims of serious international crimes in Belarus was the central focus of meetings held by Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), with permanent representatives of democratic countries to the OSCE on June 27-28, 2024, in Vienna.

Mr. Latushka and NAM lawyers met with representatives from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Canada, the USA, Great Britain, Germany, France, the EU, and Liechtenstein. During these meetings, they presented their position on the potential of underutilized OSCE mechanisms in addressing the situation in Belarus, emphasizing their importance in restoring the rights of victims. The nature of the discussions suggests that partner actions in this direction are forthcoming.

At the request of the OSCE permanent representatives, Mr. Latushka provided updates on the Lukashenko regime's continued support for Russia's war against Ukraine and the regime's escalation of the migration crisis on the border with the European Union.

The illegal movement of civilians from Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine to Belarus was also a point of concern. Several permanent representatives from European countries highlighted the advisability of establishing a unified platform within the OSCE, potentially through a "friends of democratic Belarus" group, to coordinate all initiatives related to accountability in the Belarusian context.

Pavel Latushka also briefed his partners on the concerning situation of Andrei Gnyot, a Belarusian activist and film director, and the risks associated with his potential extradition from Serbia to Belarus. Key partner countries are closely monitoring the situation, indicating a commitment to providing the necessary diplomatic and legal support.

Furthermore, at the request of the permanent representatives, Pavel Latushka shared information about the results of the Coordination Council elections and ongoing efforts to strengthen Belarusian democratic institutions.

Source: NAM

Appeal from the People's Embassies of Belarus to Belarusian Diplomats

Following the unexpected passing of former Belarusian Ambassador to Germany, Denis Sidarenka, the People's Embassies of Belarus extend their condolences to his family and loved ones. In light of this event, we appeal to the diplomats who continue to serve the current Lukashenko regime.

We urge you to critically reassess your position and join the democratic forces working to restore rights and freedoms in Belarus. The regime you support has consistently shown a willingness to betray and eliminate not only its opponents but also those loyal to it, once they become redundant or inconvenient.

Choosing democracy is a step towards ensuring your own safety and striving for a better future for our country.

The People's Embassies of Belarus stand ready to offer support and assistance to those who take this courageous step or wish to establish contact while remaining in their current positions. 

Contact for communication: free@belarusabroad.org 

Source: People's Embassies of Belarus

"The third convocation of the Coordination Council commenced its work on June 12th. We are currently developing a revised set of regulations to ensure the Council operates with maximum efficiency, both now and in the future. We plan to hold our first open general meeting in the coming days, during which the leadership will be elected," stated Angelika Melnikova, Coordination Council delegate and member of the " Latushka’s Team and Movement 'For Freedom'" coalition, during her participation in the third meeting of the III EU Consultative Group with Belarusian democratic forces. Melnikova's address focused on the results of the Coordination Council elections and the current state of affairs within the organization.

While the general political strategy of the Coordination Council will be determined through consensus among its members, several key areas of activity are already emerging:

• Serving voters and advocating for their interests: The legitimacy of the Coordination Council hinges on its ability to effectively address the needs of Belarusians both within the country and abroad. Our actions will be paramount.

• Strengthening ties with communities inside Belarus: this will involve a renewed emphasis on the political agenda and the rebuilding of a vibrant network of contacts.

• Enhancing the image of the Coordination Council and democratic forces among Belarusians: greater focus will be placed on media engagement, including outreach to bloggers who maintain a significant audience within Belarus.

• Collaborating with partners to simplify visa procedures and increase contact among people (those Belarusians who emigrated and those who stayed in Belarus): expanding efforts to support and mobilize the Belarusian diaspora will be crucial.

• Expanding interaction and cooperation with the United Transitional Cabinet: discussions are underway to enhance the Coordination Council's influence on the appointment of Cabinet members and broaden its overall powers.

• Strengthening cooperation with national parliaments of partner countries: this includes fostering closer ties with parliamentary institutions such as the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

Maintaining a key role in organizing sectoral consultations: the Coordination Council will continue to play a leading role in assessing the needs of a democratic Belarus.

Source: NAM

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya launched the meeting of the Belarus–European Union Consultative Group in Brussels. The third meeting of representatives of Belarus’ democratic forces and the Western partners focused on several issues:

⚪️ The political situation in Belarus and human rights;

🔴 Accountability for the regime;

⚪️ Preparations for the 2025 presidential campaign;

🔴 Efforts to free political prisoners;

⚪️ Mobility of Belarusians.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the search for solutions to these problems during her speech:

📌 “To defeat the regime, we must achieve understanding and support from the people. Now, more than ever, we need to strengthen independent media and our national identity”.

📌 “Belarusians must see that the European perspective is the only alternative to the Russian world. Belarusians need to feel that Europe stands by them and that Europe’s doors will be open when the time comes”.

📌 “In 2025, Lukashenka hopes to be ‘re-elected’. However, we must not allow the regime to ‘turn over the page’ and return to how things were before. This ‘election’ will not be recognized by either Belarusians or the international community. We will use this campaign to mobilize our supporters and draw attention to the situation in Belarus”.

📌 “Our current priority must be to support Belarusians’ potential. We need to support the people who continue to fight, both inside the country and in exile. I am confident that a new window of opportunity will open – and we must all be ready for it”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

On June 25th, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström met with representatives of Belarusian democratic forces, including members of the NAM team. During the meeting, the minister pledged to make every effort to ensure that Belarus remains a priority for Europe.

Citing the Lukashenko regime's complicity in the aggression against Ukraine and its widespread human rights violations, the minister emphasized that Europe will continue to monitor the situation in Belarus closely. He affirmed Sweden's commitment to supporting Belarusians and expressed his belief that Belarus's future lies with Europe.

Minister Billström placed particular emphasis on the importance of Belarusian culture and language, as well as educational opportunities for Belarusian citizens in Europe. He also highlighted the significance of initiatives that foster unity within Belarusian society.

A NAM representative present at the meeting stressed that lasting peace and harmony in Belarus are unattainable without justice being served upon members of the Lukashenko regime and accountability for those who have suffered from repression. The Swedish minister was urged to support initiatives by Belarusian democratic forces within the OSCE framework, as well as efforts to hold members of the regime accountable through the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.

Source: NAM

The President of the Human Rights Council has appointed the members of the new Group of Independent Experts on Human Rights in Belarus. The group includes Susan Bazilli (Canada), Karinna Moskalenko (Russian Federation), and Monika Stanisława Płatek (Poland).

The Legal Team of the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya notes: “The establishment of such an expert group is an unprecedented procedure for Belarus. It testifies to the high-level attention from international human rights organizations to what is happening in our country. The events of 2020 and subsequent years are not forgotten. Crimes will be investigated, and the perpetrators will be held internationally accountable”.

What are the duties of the Human Rights Expert Group on Belarus? 

📎 Investigating and establishing the facts, circumstances, and causes of human rights violations and abuses committed in Belarus since May 1, 2020;

📎 Collecting, summarizing, preserving, and analyzing evidence of such violations and abuses. Identifying perpetrators where possible, considering judicial and other proceedings, including criminal prosecution in courts and tribunals;

📎 Making recommendations on measures to hold the perpetrators accountable in order to end impunity in Belarus;

📎 Ensuring accountability and access to justice and effective remedies, including compensation for victims;

📎 Cooperating with all interested parties (Belarusian, as well as regional and international civil society, international human rights organizations) to exchange information and take actions to hold the perpetrators of human rights violations in Belarus accountable.

The Legal Team of Sviatlana Tsikhanoyskaya’s Office continues to actively cooperate with the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus. In particular, it has prepared a set of documents on human rights violations in Belarus and methods of holding all perpetrators internationally accountable to make sure the joint work with the UN Human Rights Expert Group on Belarus can begin as soon as possible.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The Belarusian leader met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, in Vilnius. During their dialogue, they discussed the political situation in Belarus, Armenia, and the region, as well as the cooperation of Belarus’ democratic forces with the government, Parliament, and civil society of Armenia.

Mr. Mirzoyan and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya separately talked about the situation of Belarusians in Armenia, specifically discussing the non-extradition of Belarusian citizens at the request of the Lukashenka regime.

At the end of the meeting, the Belarusian leader expressed hope for continued close cooperation between Armenia and the democratic forces of Belarus. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that the people of Armenia and Belarus deserve a free, democratic, and European future.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

“Citizens of Belarus who visit Latvia in personal cars with Belarusian registration will be able to continue to enter the territory of Latvia,” noted Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže during the meeting with the deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, head of the National Anti-Crisis Management Pavel Latushka, in response to the corresponding appeal from the representative of the democratic forces of Belarus.

Pavel Latushka informed the Latvian Foreign Minister about the results of the elections to the Coordination Council and about the actions of the democratic forces of Belarus aimed at strengthening the three institutions of democratic forces: the President-Elect, the United Transitional Cabinet, and the Coordination Council.

Pavel Latushka outlined the importance of achieving accountability, both for Lukashenko personally and for his representatives, for the illegal displacement of Ukrainian children and for the ongoing crimes against humanity committed against the Belarusian people. He presented detailed information about the work of the NAM team in these areas.

Ms Braže emphasized the importance of holding “the Lukashenko regime accountable for atrocities against the Belarusian people and joint aggression against Ukraine.” Latvia also advocates increasing EU sanctions pressure on the Lukashenko regime to “limit the possibility of circumventing sanctions against Russia” by limiting the transit of goods passing through Belarus into the Russian Federation when Belarus is used to circumvent European sanctions imposed on Russia for its aggression against Ukraine. The Latvian Foreign Minister noted her readiness to consider NAM proposals to introduce Latvian national personal and economic sanctions.

During the discussion of increasing sanctions pressure on the Lukashenko regime, Ms Braže informed Pavel Latushka that a sanctions package against Russia had been agreed upon, which opens up opportunities for further coordination of the sanctions package against the Lukashenko regime. This package should be aimed at harmonizing sanctions against Russia and the Lukashenko regime. They discussed the existing challenges for agreeing on this package and possible assistance from the democratic forces of Belarus for its adoption.

In connection with an appeal from Belarusian citizens, who note the visits of European countries by representatives of Belarusian propaganda, as well as persons who are a potential threat to national security, the NAM team will prepare proposals for introducing personal sanctions against these representatives and transfer them to Latvia.

The topic related to the legalization of Belarusian citizens located in Latvia was also raised. The Foreign Minister informed Mr. Latushka that Belarusians would have the opportunity to apply for refugee status or international protection and subsequently receive an international travel document.

Ms Braže emphasized that possible restrictions on Belarusian vehicles will not apply to personal cars of Belarusian citizens with Belarusian registration.

Source: NAM

Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Parkhomchik recently admitted at a recent meeting with Lukashenko that sanctions, which are supposedly making Lukashenko’s regime stronger, have actually hurt wood pellet production in Belarus. 

Before 2020, Belarus had established approximately 60 pellet production facilities, with a total capacity of about a million tons per year. Parkhomchik noted that these enterprises were created to meet the high demand for these products in Europe. However, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, supplies to Europe have been suspended. Unsurprisingly, Parkhomchik fails to explain the reasons behind this suspension or who is responsible. He conveniently overlooks the mass repressions in Belarus, the migration crisis on the EU borders, and the Lukashenko regime's complicity in Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Sanctions are also impacting cross-border payments processed by banks. This information comes not from Parkhomchik, but from a recent report by National Bank. Specifically, at the National Bank's initiative, commercial banks have begun advising corporate clients on navigating international settlements. To facilitate the evasion of financial sanctions, the National Bank has even established a dedicated working group to coordinate foreign economic settlements. Banks have also taken steps “to clear suspended payments, including using alternative systems for transmitting financial information or clearing mechanisms.”

One such system employed for conducting transactions is the Financial Message System of the Bank of Russia (SPFS). We have brought this to the attention of David O’Sullivan, the EU Special Representative for Sanctions, as a means of circumventing the imposed restrictions. Consequently, the EU, along with the G7 countries, is prepared to implement restrictions against SPFS in upcoming sanctions packages.

Chairman of the State Customs Committee, Vladimir Orlovsky, has gone even further by exposing all of Lukashenko’s schemes for illegally circumventing the existing sanctions. While Lukashenko and his officials claim they can do without trade with the West and will simply reorient towards the East, it appears they still heavily rely on Western goods and are willing to go to any lengths to obtain them.

Orlovsky revealed at a meeting of the Council of the Republic on April 10 that Lukashenko was compelled to sign a document implementing a series of anti-sanctions measures. This document "creates conditions for the possibility of selling goods, exported from the European Union to third countries in transit through Belarus, from temporary storage warehouses to Belarusian enterprises."

Orlovsky explains that, for instance, equipment is documented as being in transit from Europe to Asia but is then sold to a Belarusian enterprise within Belarus. He admits that current legislation does not allow for such sales, effectively acknowledging that Lukashenko’s regime is engaging in state-sponsored sanctions evasion, even violating its own laws. Orlovsky also shared that to circumvent sanctions, equipment is often imported in parts, utilizing complex, multi-stage logistics chains.

However, the most striking admission that sanctions are impacting the regime came from Lukashenko’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Valentin Rybakov. He labeled the sanctions against the Lukashenko regime as nothing short of an act of terrorism!

Despite the rhetoric from Lukashenko’s administration about the severe impact of sanctions, some so-called experts are attempting to argue that these sanctions are ineffective and should be abandoned altogether. The louder the regime officials complain about sanctions, the louder the calls to end them become.

We, however, will continue to collaborate with our international partners to strengthen sanctions pressure on Lukashenko’s criminal regime.

Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador.

Source: NAM

During her working visit to Washington, the Belarusian leader participated in a hearing of the Helsinki Commission, the US Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. This independent US government body deals with monitoring human rights and the implementation of the Helsinki Accords.

In her speech, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya highlighted the daily repression in Belarus and the horrific conditions in which people are held in prisons. She called on the international community to intensify pressure on the regime to ensure the swift release of those imprisoned.

Here are the key points from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s speech:

📌 “People behind bars are kept fully incommunicado. They might see the sky once a day during a brief walk in the prison yard. They are deprived of medical and legal assistance and any communication with the outside world. What the regime is doing to our loved ones is called torture”.

📌 “When you are in the hands of the KGB, your chances of release are close to zero. They will record a video where you confess to crimes you did not commit. The KGB posts these videos on YouTube as a means of spreading fear and hopelessness”.

📌 “For political prisoners and their families, there is a form of torture known as incommunicado detention. This is when political prisoners receive no word from their relatives. Most mothers can’t go a day without calling their children. But the parents of political prisoners do not have that luxury”.

📌 “Political prisoners are not only a political issue but also a humanitarian one. I urge the US to support our call to the UN Secretary-General to ensure access to those behind bars. We must hold the perpetrators accountable. Judges, prosecutors, prison administrators, propagandists, Lukashenka, and all his cronies must know that every crime will be documented and prosecuted by law”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

On June 13, the lawyers of movie director Andrei Gnet received the decision of the Higher Court in Belgrade on Andrei’s possible extradition to Belarus. If extradited for criminal prosecution, Andrei will inevitably face a severe prison term for his peaceful civil activism and exercising his rights.

During the months Andrei has been in custody in Belgrade, the Legal Team of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office has made every effort to prevent his extradition. We have been in touch with diplomatic representatives of EU countries, lawyers, human rights defenders, attorneys, and journalists to ensure his release.

Please note that the court’s decision does not mean our efforts were in vain. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office continues to fight for Andrei Hniot’s freedom. We have already informed European diplomats in Belgrade of the decision. Andrei’s lawyers are preparing documents for an appeal. He has also been provided contacts to receive legal assistance for an application to the European Court of Human Rights if necessary. Information on Andrei Hniot’s case has been sent to the European Commission. We remain in close contact with Andrei, providing him with assistance and support.

We urge everyone to support Andrei in this fight in every way possible! 

Share information about Andrei’s situation if it is safe for you to do so. Send letters to Serbian diplomatic missions demanding his release. We are doing everything we can to ensure Andrei can leave Serbia and move to a safe third country. With your support, Andrei will reach safety and reunite with his loved ones much sooner.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During the discussion, the parties addressed the need for comprehensive support for Belarus and Ukraine. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya spoke about Belarusian volunteer fighters and aid workers in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine’s victory for a democratic transition in Belarus. She raised the issue of the military and political situation in Belarus, highlighting the negligible public support for joining the war and unification with Russia.

A crucial topic of the talks was strengthening pressure on the Lukashenka regime. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that restrictions should have no loopholes and must aim at the release of political prisoners, targeting the regime and its assistance to Russia in the war.

Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also underscored the importance of issuing visas and supporting Belarusian civil society in exile as Belarusians need to remain mobile while the regime must be isolated.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During the first day of her visit to Washington, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, as well as US Senators, Jeanne Shaheen, Dick Durbin, and Peter Welch.

Ms. Tsikhanouskaya praised American leadership in opposing dictators. She called for supporting the Belarusian democratic community and increasing pressure on the regime to release political prisoners and end Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The leader discussed the results of the Coordination Council election and the democratic forces’ plans for 2025.

During the meeting, the parties discussed:

📌The draft of a new Belarus Democracy Act, which would strengthen the agency of Belarus’ democratic forces and could contribute to increased support for Belarus;

📌A campaign in support of political prisoners in Belarus, particularly imprisoned journalists, and possible steps for their release;

📌Sanctions against the Lukashenka regime;

📌Continued and expanded support for free media, repressed individuals, cultural, and human rights initiatives;

📌Support for repressed individuals;

📌Belarus-related events during the NATO Summit;

📌Support for the Belarusian diaspora in the USA.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for distinguishing between the Belarusian people and the regime and noted that Belarus must not become a consolation prize for Putin.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

On June 6-7, an international conference took place in Luxembourg on the problems faced by exiled Belarusians. The event, organized by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in cooperation with the Luxembourg Parliament, was attended by Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Xavier Bettel, the President of the PACE, Theodoros Rousopoulos, diplomats and politicians from more than 20 countries, as well as representatives of Belarus’ democratic forces, media, business associations, and cultural initiatives. 

During the meetings with the leadership of Luxembourg, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed the implementation of the PACE recommendations on simplifying the visa and legalization procedures for Belarusians at the EU level; support for the repressed and political prisoners through the humanitarian fund, as well as for independent media, civil society, and Belarusian culture; and preparations for the peace summit on Ukraine, the NATO summit and the UN General Assembly. 

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, participated in the Confidence in Tomorrow Conference in Strasbourg. The event was held on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe and was attended by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, and the President of the European Youth Forum, María Rodríguez Alcázar.

Belarus was represented at such an event for the first time thanks to the efforts of Belarusian youth organizations, the active work of democratic forces, and international partners. Previously, the country had not participated in such meetings due to the political isolation of the regime.

During the conference, Marharyta Vorykhava highlighted the repression against Belarusian youth organizations and called on the international community to support and protect them. She emphasized the importance of access to European education for Belarusian youth: “To involve young Belarusians in democratic processes, we need greater efforts and assistance from European partners”.

“Such events increase the international community’s awareness of the problems faced by Belarusian youth and intensify comprehensive pressure on the regime. This is an opportunity to raise additional resources for youth organizations and projects, as well as a step towards expanding exchange programs and educational projects”, – commented Marharyta Vorykhava.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

On May 28, the results of the Coordination Council election were announced. Eight electoral lists out of twelve announced were included in the third convocation. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held video calls with new delegates of the Coordination Council, as well as with members of the lists that did not make it to the body.

The Belarusian leader thanked the delegates for participating in the election and expressed support for those who were persecuted for their activity during the election campaign.  The main topics of discussion were the role of the Coordination Council, priority areas of work, cooperation with the United Transitional Cabinet, and the ways the Coordination Council could strengthen the democratic forces.

“We are working for a common cause, and we share one common goal – a free Belarus”, the Belarusian leader commented on the online meetings. “It was important for me to hear everyone. I see that people who ran for the Coordination Council are willing to work. I am especially glad to see new people who have taken a big risk and joined political work”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Pavel Latushka participated in the “Faces of the New Europe” discussion panel at the 10th International European Conference in Gdansk. The event took place at the European Solidarity Centre, a location imbued with the history of European transformation.

“There is a well-known expression, ‘elephant in the room,’” Latushka noted during the discussion. “Well, this elephant isn’t going anywhere if we ignore it. It will destroy everything and everyone around it. This elephant is Russia. And it’s already here, in our European home. We might be scared, all of Europe might be, but there’s another saying: “Eat an elephant one bite at a time”. The Lukashenko regime in Belarus, Russia’s closest ally, is exactly the bite we need to take if we want to get rid of the elephant for good. And it’s a bite that Europe can definitely chew.”

The discussion panel included Basil Kerski, director of the European Solidarity Center in Gdansk; David Gregosz, a political scientist and director of the Polish office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation; Mykola Kniazhitsky, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament and co-chair of the parliamentary group on relations with Poland; and Iwona Reichardt, deputy editor-in-chief of "New Eastern Europe" magazine.

While participating in the discussion panel, Pavel Latushka noted: “If democracy had won in Belarus in 2020, then there might not have been a war. The lack of a clear strategy towards Belarus, both in 2020 and today, is a crucial issue that will determine the future of Belarus and Belarusians in the European Union. Solidarity is incredibly important to us, and it is deeply meaningful that we are discussing this in Gdansk, the birthplace of the Solidarity movement.

At the same time, we know that the future of Belarus ultimately depends on us, Belarusians. Our priority right now is preventing a new Berlin Wall from dividing Belarus and Europe. We understand the importance of national security for all EU members, and we ask our European partners to keep the doors open for Belarusians – making it easier to obtain visas, including digital visas. This would demonstrate Europe’s commitment to Belarusians, as well as its effectiveness in supporting those who still believe in democracy. I’m talking about the matter of the Lukashenko regime’s responsibility.

On my personal channel, I recently conducted a poll asking Belarusians which of our coalition's working priorities they consider to be most important. Seventy-five percent of Belarusians who responded said that holding the Lukashenko regime and its collaborators accountable for their crimes is paramount.

It is also important to talk about formally recognizing the institutions that are building democratic power. Belarusians today are fighting for democracy, which means they are fighting for their future in Europe. They have faced horrific repression and torture in their own country. It is crucial to understand this and to respond with a clear action plan that supports their struggle.”

The main takeaway from the Polish and Ukrainian participants in the discussion was the importance of “unconditional support for Ukraine, which is fighting for its territorial integrity against the aggressor, and democratic Belarus, whose people are fighting and also suffering from violence and repression.”

During his visit to Gdansk, Latushka also had a brief meeting with the city’s mayor, Aleksandra Dulkiewicz. Mayor Dulkiewicz invited Latushka to a more in-depth meeting to discuss the concerns of Belarusians living in Gdansk. They agreed to compile a list of questions in advance to ensure a productive meeting. Latushka also met with Jacek Karnowski, a member of the Polish parliament’s group on cooperation with democratic Belarus, and they agreed to a follow-up meeting in Warsaw with other members of the group.

Source: NAM

The decision to support the Belarusian heroes was made at the union's meeting in April following a presentation by a representative of the People's Embassy of Belarus in Sweden. 

We sincerely thank the union for their generous support!

Source: People's Embassy of Belarus in Sweden 

The Belarusian leader spoke at a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. She congratulated Lithuania on assuming the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and called for granting democratic Belarus an observer status in the Committee of Ministers.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Allow me to congratulate Lithuania on assuming the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. As you know, Lithuania is not just our neighbor. It is a dedicated ally in our struggle for freedom.

I am grateful to the Parliamentary Assembly and each of your countries and parliaments for the consistent policy in liberating Belarus and sovereign Ukraine.

To succeed, we need, on the one hand, to isolate dictators Putin and Lukashenka, and on the other hand, to support the people fighting for freedom. Sanctions are not a silver bullet but a tool to weaken dictatorial regimes and deprive them of resources for war and repression. They should not have loopholes or exceptions. While isolating Lukashenka, I ask you not to isolate the Belarusian people.

Thank you to the Parliamentary Assembly for adopting the January resolution on Belarus, which calls for supporting the mobility of Belarusians, issuing visas, and strengthening people-to-people ties. We must not allow a new Iron Curtain between Belarus and Europe – that’s what dictators want.

It is time to strengthen cooperation between the PACE and Belarusian democratic forces. This will allow us to not only learn and practice democracy but also develop an effective strategy vis-a-vis Belarus.

We want Belarus to join the Council of Europe. This will be our first step towards integration into the European Union. Meanwhile, please support our call to grant democratic Belarus an observer status in the Committee of Ministers. Let’s deprive the illegitimate regime in Minsk of the right to represent Belarus. I know this is unprecedented. But we live in non-conventional times. And such times require non-conventional solutions”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

From May 23 to 25, Prague hosted the #WithoutJustCause Congress on Political Prisoners. It was attended by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Jana Marian. Among the participants was Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk (her Ukrainian "Center for Civil Liberties" received the prize in 2022 along with Belarusian political prisoner Ales Bialiatski and the Russian human rights organization "Memorial").

Representatives from The Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, The United Transitional Cabinet, The Coordination Council, The Belarusian Helsinki Committee, "Viasna," DissidentBY, BYhelp, and "A Country to Live in" foundation also participated in the Congress. The head of our Foundation shared that during the congress, participants summarized information on what is specifically lacking, what can be improved, and what needs attention in the system of assistance to political prisoners.

"This is the first event of this format on the topic of political prisoners in almost four years," said Olga Zazulinskaya, head of the "A Country to Live in" foundation. "All the speakers were well-prepared, there were many statistics and presentations. It was valuable to listen to domestic political prisoners and former political prisoners during the congress. The only thing that, of course, disappointed me was the weak media coverage. Radio Liberty and Nasha Niva were present and covered the event on their platforms, for which I am very grateful."

The congress addressed two main discussion vectors: families of political prisoners and former political prisoners both inside the country and abroad. Participants analyzed the needs of these groups and the problems they face both within the country and when relocating. "It was noted that even the existing assistance is insufficient to fully meet all the needs. Particular attention was paid to the issue of assistance within the country, to the difficulties people face every day: the conditions of detention of political prisoners, incommunicado regime, lack of medical care in pre-trial detention centers and colonies," noted Olga Zazulinskaya. According to statistics, repression not only continues but is gaining momentum again.

"I believe that events of this format are simply necessary, and it is desirable that they become regular. I think it is important to invite relatives of political prisoners and former political prisoners because they show the real state of affairs, and we need this to build further work in this field." 

Source: "A Country to Live in" Foundation

On the sidelines of the Stockholm Conference on Belarus, a non-public panel discussion took place, involving diplomats, officials, and politicians from EU countries and the USA. The discussion was organized by International IDEA and the Lithuanian Embassy in Sweden, headed by former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Lithuanian Ambassador to Belarus, Linas Linkevičius.

“Sanctions alone are not enough to change the regime. Change can only happen from within and only thanks to the Belarusians. Some politicians forget that. This is why sanctions must be combined with aid to the people”, said Ms. Tsikhanouskaya.

The Belarusian leader called for assistance to Belarusian independent media, civil society, families of the repressed, trade unions, human rights defenders, and democratic forces’ institutions.

Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also invited the countries to formalize their relations with the democratic forces. “We ask you to formalize relations with the Belarusian democratic forces, appoint special envoys, and refrain from presenting credentials to the illegitimate Lukashenka. Support the opening of our representative offices in your capitals and create groups “For a Democratic Belarus” in your parliaments, as done here in the Riksdag”, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During the conference in Stockholm dedicated to the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus, the Minister of Sweden for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Johan Forssell, announced that the country is allocating five million Swedish kronor (over 400,000 euros) to the international humanitarian fund for victims of repressions in Belarus established recently in Norway to support political prisoners and their families.

Mr. Forssell noted that deepening dialogue with the Belarusian democratic forces in exile, led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, is a priority for Swedish policy. “It is important to us that the outside world does not forget the people fighting for a free, democratic, and independent Belarus”, the politician emphasized.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya participated in the International Impact Conference in Poznań, Poland. Over two days, speakers discuss current issues faced by Europe covering various aspects. In particular, politicians like Michelle Obama, Radosław Sikorski, and Sanna Marin, scientists like Timothy Snyder and Ivan Krastev, as well as bank executives, top athletes, and media and technology professionals share their views on regional problems and ways to solve them.

The Belarusian leader discussed the prospects of a political change in Belarus and answered questions.

Here are the main points about the situation in Belarus highlighted by Ms. Tsikhanouskaya in her speech:

📌 “Terror and repression. The situation in Belarus echoes that of Stalin’s era, with arbitrary arrests and constant uncertainty. The regime seeks to sow fear and desperation among the people through violence and Russification”.

📌 “Underground resistance and information warfare. Despite harsh repression, there is active underground resistance – including cyber activists and grassroots intelligence. Russian propaganda actively works to disorient people and create noise to confuse them”.

📌 “Lack of popular support for the authorities. Most Belarusians hate Lukashenka and are tired of his rule. His support is maintained by security and special services and pro-Russian bureaucrats”.

📌 “Political preferences. Surveys show that Lukashenka’s support is around 20%, while the majority of the population supports Belarus’ independence and improving relations with the EU. The vast majority oppose participation in the war and the stationing of nuclear weapons”.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also outlined practical steps through which the European community can help Belarus:

✔️ Support for independent media and civil society;
✔️ Synchronization of pressure on the regime;
✔️ Visa support and integration;
✔️ Support for a European perspective for Belarus;
✔️ Cooperation with democratic forces;
✔️ Accountability for the regime through universal jurisdiction.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

In early 2024, Yaroslav Novikau was detained while crossing the border between Georgia and Armenia. The regime had initiated a criminal case against the young man, accusing him of evading military service, and requested an interstate search within the CIS. Yaraslau, who had left the country due to the threat of mobilization, was placed in jail in Armenia to wait for a decision on his extradition. At the same time, lawyers from the Helsinki Association and representatives of democratic forces began advocating for Novikau’s release.

Today, the Armenian side announced that Yaraslau has been granted refugee status and is no longer subject to extradition. He will be released shortly.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Let me congratulate Yaraslau and his family on this news. I want to thank the Armenian authorities for this decision and their open approach to communication. Both representatives of democratic forces and human rights defenders have been raising Yaraslau’s case because defending Belarusians and ensuring their safety are our priorities.

I hope this case will set a positive precedent and help us further address security issues faced by Belarusians”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

After the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the regime’s rhetoric has become more aggressive, including towards neighboring countries. We explain below why supporting democratic Belarus is not just a humanitarian but also a strategic necessity for Europe’s security.

ANTI-WAR SENTIMENT IN BELARUS PREVENTS NEW WARS

The sentiment of the absolute majority of society is a key factor preventing the Belarusian army from becoming a full participant in Russia’s aggression. The Second World War, which ravaged Belarus, touched every family, claiming the lives of people’s loved ones and destroying livelihoods and property.

Essentially, the war became a tragic part of history for each of us. For Belarusians, there is no narrative of “We Can Do It Again”. There is only “Never Again”.

LUKASHENKA IS WILLING TO GIVE PUTIN BELARUS’ TERRITORY FOR A REPEAT ATTACK ON UKRAINE OR EU COUNTRIES

If Putin wants it, there is no doubt it will happen. In 2020, Lukashenka claimed that attacks on Ukraine would never occur from Belarusian territory. Some believed this but now it’s obvious that none of his promises can be taken seriously. After Belarus became a launchpad in Russia’s attack on Ukraine, “security guarantees” are no longer possible. You cannot negotiate with dictators, let alone rely on their promises.

SUPPORT FOR DEMOCRATIC BELARUS IS NOT A HUMANITARIAN ACTION BUT AN INVESTMENT IN THE SECURITY OF THE ENTIRE REGION

As long as Belarus is controlled by the regime, it remains a puppet in the hands of the Kremlin. Democratic changes in the country will allow Belarus to stop being a threat to its neighbors and become a responsible partner for Europe and a regional security donor.

LUKASHENKA IS UNABLE TO RESIST PUTIN’S PRESSURE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WAR

Lukashenka’s resistance to Putin is a false propaganda narrative. Lukashenka is doing exactly what Putin demands. He has provided Belarusian railways and airports as infrastructure for military operations, hospitals for treating wounded Russian soldiers, and training grounds for mobilized troops.

In addition, the regime has allowed the Kremlin to use Belarus’ territory for its attack on Ukraine, supplied ammunition to Russia, and offered to host the Wagner PMC in the summer of 2023.

BELARUS’ FUTURE IS COOPERATION WITH NEIGHBORS, NOT WAR

The future that Belarusians want for themselves and their children is peace, not war. Partnership and peaceful coexistence with all neighbors, including Western countries, are important priorities for democratic Belarus. We have nothing to fight for with our neighbors.

RUSSIAN NUCLEAR WEAPONS STATIONED IN BELARUS ARE A THREAT TO BELARUSIANS

Decisions on the use of nuclear weapons are made in the Kremlin. If Putin decides to attack Ukraine or any other country, Belarus’ territory will face retaliation strikes.

The Kremlin uses Belarusians as a human shield. This turns Belarus into a target. At the very least, for this reason alone, nuclear weapons must be returned to Russia.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, had her first meeting with NATO officials. 

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, with her Deputy at the Cabinet, Valery Kavaleuski also participating. Additionally, within the framework of the North Atlantic Council, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a briefing for the permanent representatives of all NATO member countries to exchange views on the crisis in Belarus and the prospects for dialogue on the political agenda between Belarus’ democratic movement and NATO.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I am glad that this meeting took place, commencing dialogue with the democratic forces of Belarus. Belarusians share the values enshrined in the alliance: individual freedom, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. 

I believe that every European country must build respectful and constructive relations with NATO. This is important for both national interests and regional security. I would like Belarus to be perceived as a reliable and peaceful partner”.

Valery Kavaleuski: “The start of a dialogue with NATO is the result of the United Transitional Cabinet’s work to expand cooperation with international organizations. For 75 years, NATO has been vital for Europe’s security and stability. We must inform the international community about the challenges facing our country”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The European Parliament and the Belarusian Democratic Forces (the Parties),

determined to enhance relations between the European Parliament and the democratic forces and civil society of Belarus, pursuant to the European Parliament resolution of 13 September 2023 on relations with Belarus[1],

condemning the unprecedented repression and the systemic and widespread human rights violations conducted by the Lukashenka regime, which may amount to crimes against humanity, and standing in solidarity with the people, democratic movement and civil society of Belarus in their struggle for a free, sovereign and democratic Belarus,

recognising the courageous fight of the Belarusian people to establish democracy, preserve independence and defend national identity in light of the Lukashenka regime’s dangerous undermining of the sovereignty of Belarus by turning it into a satellite state of Russia,

warmly acknowledging and supporting the public declarations made by the leader of the Belarusian democratic movement, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, by the Coordination Council, by the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and by Belarusian political parties about the European aspirations of Belarusians,

welcoming the opening of the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Brussels and the establishment of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, which, together with the Coordination Council, should be treated by the international community as the representatives of the people of Belarus,

hereby agree on the following common objectives and directions of cooperation:

1. The European Parliament shall endeavour to continue monitoring the internal situation in Belarus, in particular human rights violations, the situation of political prisoners and other people persecuted on politically motivated grounds, of journalists, of human rights defenders, of trade union activists, of minorities and of non-governmental organisations, the regime’s attempts to legitimise itself, including through sham elections, the regime’s involvement in Russia’s unjustified war of aggression and war crimes against Ukraine, the threats posed by the Lukashenka regime to the EU and the measures taken by the regime to undermine the rights and freedoms of Belarusians abroad. To this end, the Parties shall conduct regular dialogue with the aim of developing the conditions for democratic transition in Belarus.

2. The Parties shall each endeavour to continue to offer recommendations to the EU institutions and Member States on measures to increase pressure on the regime and support the efforts of the Belarusian democratic movement to thwart the threats to Belarus’s sovereignty, independence, national culture and language emanating from the deliberate actions of the Russian Federation and the rampant political, economic, military and cultural subordination of Belarus. The Parties shall endeavour to support the alleviation of migration challenges for those Belarusians who have been forced to flee Belarus for political reasons.

3. The Parties shall endeavour to continue demanding the accountability, under existing international mechanisms, of the regime’s representatives and of the individuals responsible for grave human rights violations and crimes against humanity in Belarus and for complicity in war crimes and the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

4. The Parties shall endeavour to encourage additional measures by the EU institutions and Member States to provide adequate help to Belarusian democratic forces and civil society activists, human rights defenders, independent media, and trade unions in order to bring democratic change in Belarus. This help shall be provided through, inter alia, the EU4Belarus programme and through capacity-building, training and mentoring initiatives and educational opportunities.

5. The European Parliament’s Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group shall endeavour to continue offering tailored support to Belarusian democratic forces and civil society, using its actions and programmes. It shall help to enhance the capacity and technical expertise of the Coordination Council and of the United Transitional Cabinet with a view to fostering a democratic transition in the country and upholding Belarus’s independence and sovereignty. It shall also assist with strategic communication, offer support to human rights defenders and independent journalists and continue efforts to secure the release of political prisoners in Belarus.

6. This agreement is without prejudice to the European Parliament’s continuing cooperation with all elements of the democratic forces of Belarus.

Done in Brussels, on May 3, in English and Belarusian, with both texts being equally authentic.

[1] OJ C, C/2024/1761, 22.3.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/1761/oj.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Many political prisoners in Belarus are deprived of letters, phone calls, and meetings. They are isolated from their families and lawyers and denied the medical assistance they need. Incommunicado detention deprives them of any communication with the outside world as the regime tries to make political prisoners believe that no one supports them.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We do not need special occasions to remember how important it is to support our political prisoners. It’s been 443 days since we’ve heard from Maryia Kalesnikava. It’s been 449 days for Maksim Znak. 448 days for Mikalai Statkevich. 452 days for Viktar Babaryka. 438 days for Ihar Losik. For 421 days, I’ve had no information about the fate of my husband, Siarhei.

In every visit, I repeat: people are dying in Belarusian prisons. Political prisoners are held incommunicado and in terrible conditions. I urge international organizations and diplomats to push for access to prisons and demand the immediate release of all political prisoners. In a situation where they are being tortured and denied any assistance, this is rather a humanitarian than a political issue.

Dear friends, please, speak out loudly about our political prisoners. Support them and their families with letters, parcels, and donations if it is safe for you. Help can’t be small. Everything we do contributes to a great cause”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

An international humanitarian fund to support Belarusian political prisoners and their families has been established in Norway at the initiative of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Support will include medical, material, and psychological assistance, as well as rehabilitation for individuals who have suffered political repression from the regime.

During her working visit to Oslo, the Belarusian leader met with Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, who confirmed that Norway will allocate 10 million Norwegian kroner as the first contribution to the fund. Belarusian organizations and initiatives that assist political prisoners and their families will administer it.

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently working on formalizing the fund’s operations. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barts Eide, supported this initiative and emphasized, “The situation with political prisoners in Belarus is very alarming. Such assistance is much needed for the rehabilitation of former political prisoners and their families”.

Further contributions to the fund can be made by both foreign governments and international organizations, as well as other donors.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

On April 29, when Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited the Norwegian Helsinki Committee in Oslo, the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief, operating under the auspices of the committee, initiated a letter to be signed by parliamentarians from different countries. It responds to the new law adopted in Belarus, “Amending Laws on the Activities of Religious Organizations”.

The letter highlights several repressive provisions of Belarus’ legislation on religious freedom, which violate human rights standards and contradict Belarus’s international commitments in this area. Parliamentarians call on the Belarusian authorities to “bring Belarusian laws and policies into line with its freely undertaken international commitments” and “take concrete action to provide freedom of religion or belief to all in Belarus”. After signing, the letter will be sent to the Belarusian authorities and Norwegian embassies in various countries.

The International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB) includes over 350 current and former parliamentarians and legislators from more than 97 countries worldwide.

Various organizations and institutions have drawn attention to the repressiveness of Belarusian legislation on religious freedom. For example, in February 2024, Christian Vision submitted input for the 2024 report of the Special Rapporteur on Belarus to the UN Human Rights Council, which is focused on freedom of association. Also, in August 2023, UN Special Rapporteurs on the situation of human rights in Belarus addressed the Belarusian authorities regarding the proposed amendments to legislation on religion. The rapporteurs sent a joint letter on the issue of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, as well as freedom of religion or belief.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, participated in the meeting of the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe in Budapest. During the event, Ms. Vorykhava was elected as the Vice-Chair of the Bureau, which is the governing body of the Council of Europe’s Advisory Council on Youth. The advisor explains the benefits of this for Belarusians.

⚪️ Why is this important?

“We know that our country needs the support of international partners. But Belarusians also have expertise, not only about Belarus but also internationally. In this position, we can both influence the assistance provided to Belarus and demonstrate that we have something to offer in return”.

🔴 Is Belarus included in the work plans?

“Essentially, the bureau works on drafting recommendations and resolutions, directing the work of the Council of Europe in the youth sector and other areas that affect it, like environment, artificial intelligence, education, and mobility. This decision will help us make sure that Belarus and the position of Belarusian youth are mentioned in all the documents sent for approval”.

⚪️ Does the Council of Europe’s Contact Group on Belarus work with youth?

“During the meeting with the head of the Youth Department, Tobias Flessenkemper, we discussed the importance of the work of the contact group and comprehensive support for Belarus. The Council of Europe intends to work in this direction and provide more sustainable and long-term support. There already is a plan in place for Belarus, with a significant portion of it focusing specifically on youth”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

In 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, several nation states emerged and gained independence. How did Europe respond to this?

For some reason, Western politicians regarded Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia as falling within Russia's sphere of interest. Decades later, it is evident that this decision was a strategic mistake.

In 2014, nobody could have anticipated that Belarus would play a significant role in Russia's aggression against Ukraine in 2022. All of this stems from strategic mistakes made in 1991 and 2014. Granting territorial concessions to the aggressor and attempting appeasement have consistently resulted in negative consequences. Even the Lukashenko regime, which has consistently supported Russia, reached the same conclusions after 2014. The dictator was not concerned about the country or the state, but rather his own power.

Then, between 2014 and 2015, Lukashenko managed to convince Western partners of a favorable narrative: that only he could save Belarus from Putin and guarantee its independence. Lukashenko manipulated the West, fully aware that he had no intention of implementing reforms or relinquishing power. His inclination towards the West was merely an excuse to extract more resources from both the EU and Russia.

We frequently emphasize to our partners that it is only a matter of time before Russia non-militarily annexes Belarus. Lukashenko will be unable to prevent this, but the worst-case scenario is if the Belarusian people are also unable to prevent it.

Our Western partners have a choice:

• Support Lukashenko, believing that he will protect Belarus.

• Support Belarusian society and assist the Belarusian people in reclaiming their agency.

Only a free, independent, European, and democratic Belarus can guarantee that Russia will no longer be able to carry out aggression, not only against Ukraine but also against the EU.

As a politician, I wholeheartedly endorse all actions taken by our partners to strengthen national security and defense. However, it is crucial for our Western partners to understand that the Belarusian people are the primary force and the main weapon.

In a situation where the Putin and Lukashenko regime decides to once again employ Belarus as a base for aggression against Ukraine or any EU member states, the Belarusian people, who endure daily repression, will be our foremost weapon.

Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador 

Source: NAM

Pavel Latushka: Will Lukashenko come to Poland?

Currently, the National Prosecutor's Office of Poland is conducting criminal proceedings against Alexander Lukashenko and officials under his command for crimes committed against national and political groups, as well as other individuals.

The National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM) is actively working to thoroughly investigate the crimes committed by Lukashenko and his accomplices against Belarusian and foreign citizens. We are providing relevant materials to the Prosecutor's Office of Poland, the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine.

In line with the agreements reached in November 2023, Marcin Wiącek, the Commissioner for Civil Rights of Poland, has updated Pavel Latushka, the head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), on the progress in reviewing the applications submitted by Belarusians regarding the crimes committed against them.

In his letter to the NAM, the Ombudsman of Poland mentioned that the Department for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption of the National Prosecutor's Office of Poland in Lublin is currently examining the following cases:

• The crimes against humanity committed by Alexander Lukashenko and other identified officials of the Republic of Belarus, against both Belarusian and foreign citizens, including multiple instances of murder, serious manslaughter, infliction of serious bodily and mental harm, and the deliberate creation of living conditions with the aim of physically destroying, either completely or partially, a national or political group. These acts were carried out by an organized armed criminal group, which included Alexander Lukashenko and other named officials, as part of a state policy that constitutes political terrorism supported by state terrorism.

• The hijacking of a Polish aircraft, involving the illegal act of forcing Ryanair flight FR4978 to land on June 21, 2021, at Minsk airport in the Republic of Belarus. This action, carried out by officers of the Belarusian KGB following the orders of Alexander Lukashenko and other individuals, posed a direct threat to the lives and health of many people, causing harm to both private interests and the interests of the Republic of Poland.

• The trafficking of persons, exploiting citizens of Iraq and other nationalities, involving the recruitment, transportation, delivery, transfer, harboring, or reception of individuals from outside the territory of Belarus for a fee, with the purpose of forcing them to illegally cross the border of Belarus with European Union countries (Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland). This was committed by Alexander Lukashenko as the leading executive using the state administration subordinate to him, along with Belarusian travel agencies acting on behalf of the state administration.

• Instances of violence and threats against groups and individuals based on their national and political affiliation, particularly those associated with the democratic white-red-white national symbols of Belarus. These acts, carried out by Alexander Lukashenko and other identified officials, involved the use of illegal and punitive threats through media information, internet portals, and messengers, indicating the potential commission of crimes against the health and lives of threatened individuals and their families.

A joint investigation team, consisting of Poland, Lithuania, and Germany, has been established to investigate these crimes. The investigation is being conducted based on a decision by the Deputy Prosecutor General of Poland for Organized Crime and Corruption.

Marcin Wiącek assured Pavel Latushka that he will continue to monitor the progress of the investigation to ensure the respect for rights and civil liberties.

Pavel Latushka, head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, commented on the prospects of legal prosecution, stating, "The continued work of the Polish prosecutor's office on the possible involvement of Lukashenko and his accomplices in committing crimes against citizens of Belarus and other countries is crucial to achieving justice for the grave and especially grave crimes committed by the regime in Belarus. We have provided evidence and given testimony in all of the aforementioned cases. We will continue to take all possible actions to ensure the legal prosecution of Lukashenko, including through five international mechanisms such as transferring the situation in Belarus to the ICC for consideration of crimes against humanity, as well as for the war crime of illegally transferring Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to Belarus, committed by Alexander Lukashenko and his accomplices. I believe that Lukashenko can only come to Poland in handcuffs."

Source: NAM

Two years ago, the regime cracked down on activists from independent trade unions. Nearly twenty people remain imprisoned on trumped-up charges. The regime ruthlessly targeted its opponents, yet again demonstrating that it would rather silence the voices of Belarusians than listen to them.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Two years ago, the regime ruthlessly targeted activists from independent trade unions. Nearly two dozen people, including Aliaksandr Yarashuk and Siarhei Antusevich, were detained on trumped-up charges and thrown behind bars. Thus, Lukashenka not only disposed of dissenting leaders but effectively destroyed the movement itself. Over the past 4 years, the regime in Belarus has destroyed more than 1600 non-profit organizations that worked across various fields – sports, culture, and education, among others. However, care for the people is the regime’s last concern. Because its representatives would rather stifle voices of criticism than listen to fair remarks, making people’s lives a bit more comfortable or simpler.

State propaganda likes to call Belarus’ policies socially oriented. But the rights to work and social protection are no longer a thing there. They are replaced by obligations to pay trade union dues and attend propaganda meetings, where all the problems of Belarusians are blamed on the West and America. People expressing outrage and pointing out that a socially oriented government should care about the health of workers or cover expenses for the treatment and rest of children can end up receiving a prison sentence. For what? For inciting social hatred, as in the case of trade union activists Vatslau Areshka and Vasil Berasneu, who were sentenced to almost ten years in prison each. Although if there was any hatred in their words, it was only towards the government’s lack of care for the people…

Today, the regime claims to have revived the trade union movement. But instead of trade unions, workers’ rights are now “defended” by ideologists – and all they “do” is organize unpaid clean-up events and film pro-government videos.

But trade unions are not about forcing workers to participate in events to demonstrate public interest. They are about defending rights and freedoms. About giving people the opportunity to stand up for themselves and demand decent wages and respectful treatment in any situation. About compliance with modern labor standards. I am confident that Belarusians are well aware of this and know what they want – for their opinions to be heard. For their interests to be protected – not the interests of the people willing to exploit others, intimidating them with violence and prison terms”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

This year’s G7 ministers’ meeting was the first to have Belarus and its interests represented. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya drew the attention of world leaders such as Antony Blinken, Annalena Baerbock, David Cameron, Stéphane Séjourné, Mélanie Joly, Josep Borrell, and Antonio Tajani to the humanitarian crisis in Belarus and its creeping occupation by Russia. The leader also called on the participants to find ways to achieve the release of political prisoners and provide rehabilitation.

After the event, the Belarusian leader recorded an exclusive video address. In it, she shares the results of the G7 event.

Here are some highlights of the address:

📌 “During the meetings, I called on the ministers to continue supporting our civil society and media and spoke about political prisoners. I stressed that our people are dying in prisons. We talked about holding the regime accountable – not only for the war against Ukraine but also for repression against Belarusians”.

📌 “An important decision might be made about assistance to Ukraine in the coming days – and I hope it will be adopted. Because the fates of our countries are intertwined”.

📌 “I am grateful to all Belarusians who continue to fight for change in our country. Be sure that the free world supports us. And I will do everything I can to keep the issue of Belarus on the international agenda”.

The full address in Belarusian is available below.

https://youtu.be/LrWloBYweCA

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Uladzimir Astapenka, Deputy Head of NAM, recounted the establishment of the Belarusian Embassy in Belgium in 1995.

During that time, in March 1995, Lukashenko himself attended the opening, marking his first and only official visit to Brussels. He engaged in meetings with Belgian leadership and the European Union, signing a partnership and cooperation agreement. However, this agreement never came into effect as its ratification was halted after the unconstitutional referendum of 1996.

Prior to the opening, an ambassador was appointed to Brussels, commencing their work essentially from scratch. Initially, they rented an apartment in a high-rise building, where their efforts began. Later, a separate house was found, which was eventually purchased and renovated to suit the needs of the embassy. As Minister-Counselor of the Belarusian Embassy in Belgium, I actively participated in the process. For the embassy's inauguration, they commissioned a large edition of a splendid postcard, featuring an artist's impressionist depiction of the embassy building with our national flag proudly displayed. And I still have a picture before my eyes - an old building with a white-red-white flag.

After the infamous 1995 referendum, where Lukashenko changed our national symbols to the red and green palette of the BSSR era, instructions were issued to replace the flags. However, the embassy hesitated to immediately remove the white-red-white flag, which continued to adorn the building for a significant period.

Today, in Brussels, there is a representation of the Belarusian society - of the majority, who took to the streets in 2020 under thousands of white-red-white flags to protest against dictatorship and violence. Our national flag proudly flies at the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Brussels. 

This institution's vital work serves as a crucial stepping stone towards the day when national flags will flutter over Belarusian embassies worldwide, unyieldingly standing as a symbol that cannot be taken down.

Source: NAM

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Senior Political Advisor, Alexander Dabravolski, and Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, met with the Director of Political Affairs and External Relations of the Council of Europe, Miroslav Papa.

The meeting was held on the occasion of the launch of the Information Point on the Council of Europe for Belarus in Vilnius. Such information points raise awareness about the CoE activities, including about conventions signed by member states that serve as guidelines for many countries’ policies. Essentially, belonging to the Council of Europe means belonging to the family of civilized states and is an important step towards Belarus’ European future.

A similar institution previously existed in Minsk at the Belarusian State University, though most people could not access it because of the university’s security arrangements. Its activities were limited due to the lack of interest from the Belarusian authorities in expanding cooperation with the Council of Europe.

Therefore, the information point in Vilnius will focus on reaching out to ordinary people. This will help Belarusians understand how such large structures actually work. This initiative will serve as an example of an organization that is open, honest, and accountable.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Senior Political Advisor, Alexander Dabravolski, notes that this is the first and clear step towards promoting the European perspective for Belarus:

“Information centers, besides raising awareness, participate in Council of Europe campaigns and organize events for experts, politicians, and civil society. The launch of this point in Vilnius will be a very important step to set our country on the path towards the community of civilized states”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

During her trip to Canada, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a series of meetings with key politicians of the country, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, as well as the speakers of both chambers of Parliament and opposition leaders.

As a result of the meetings, the following agreements were achieved:

⚪️ Launch of strategic bilateral consultations with the democratic forces of Belarus, similar to the Belarus–USA Strategic Dialogue and focusing on the following main areas:

📌 pressure on the regime;

📌 defending human rights;

📌 media;

📌 countering disinformation.

Cooperation is also possible in the fifth area – covering culture, national identity, and the diaspora.

🔴 New restrictions against the Lukashenka regime. The list includes individuals associated with crimes and repression against Belarusians and will be regularly updated.

⚪️ Allocation of 1 million Canadian dollars to support independent Belarusian media, as well as projects to counter propaganda and disinformation.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I am truly grateful to Canada for its solidarity with Belarus and the democratic forces. Our cooperation sends a signal to all Belarusians that we are not alone on our path to change and can count on the diverse support of our partners”.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

It is crucial to address the issue of double discrimination against Belarusian independent athletes, according to the stance of the National Anti-Crisis Management regarding the participation of Belarusians in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

Presently, Belarusian free athletes face dual discrimination due to inconsistent policies within the international sports community. On one hand, they are discriminated against by the Lukashenko regime for their opposition to violence and war, resulting in their exclusion from national teams, terminations, blacklisting, detentions, or even being compelled to leave Belarus. On the other hand, Belarusian independent athletes are excluded from international sports by the federations themselves due to the aggression launched by Russia against Ukraine with the support of the Lukashenko regime.

Since 2020, the Lukashenko regime has carried out unprecedented repression against athletes. Over 136 Belarusian sports representatives have been unlawfully targeted for their civic activities, leading to terminations, detentions, and blacklisting. Currently, more than 20 Belarusian athletes and sports professionals are officially recognized as political prisoners. SOS.BY has been labeled as an extremist organization by the Belarusian KGB. Athletes who have spoken out against the war have been subjected to a separate wave of repression.

On December 8, 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to allow athletes with Russian and Belarusian passports to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris under strict conditions. One of the conditions introduced is that athletes and service personnel with contracts with the Russian or Belarusian military or law enforcement agencies will not be granted participation in the competitions.

However, the IOC's position was only advisory for international federations. As a result, the specialized federations have the final say on admitting Belarusian athletes to the qualifying competitions. Due to the varying approaches taken by international federations, Belarusian sports find themselves in a situation where independent athletes have been excluded from participating in competitions, while athletes affiliated with the Lukashenko regime have been admitted to the 2024 Olympic Games.

The NAM team has prepared justifications and submitted requests to the IOC and relevant international federations to conduct thorough verification of at least four athletes from the Lukashenko regime who have qualified for the Olympic Games and are associated with military and security forces. We have been in contact with representatives from the International Athletics Federation, the International Swimming Federation, the International Federation of Greco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, and Women's Wrestling, as well as the national federations of Poland for tennis, football, athletics, and judo. We have also engaged with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Sports of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, France, the United States, and Norway. Additionally, specific efforts are being made within the framework of the Commission of the Ministry of Sports of Poland regarding the admission of athletes with Belarusian and Russian passports.

The National Anti-Crisis Management will continue to collaborate with partner countries, federations, and the IOC to bring about change regarding Belarusian athletes. We express our gratitude to the athletes who contribute to our efforts and provide information for subsequent verification, as well as those who assist in addressing the issue of double discrimination against Belarusian athletes. We extend special thanks to the journalists, including the editorial team of Tribuna, for providing documents that confirm the athletes' affiliation with the military and security forces of the Lukashenko regime.

Photo: tribuna.com 

Source: NAM

On April 11-12, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was in Greece on a working visit, where she participated in the Delphi Economic Forum and held a series of meetings with key politicians of the country.

With the President of Greece, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the Belarusian leader discussed the current situation in Belarus and the region – and stressed the importance of holding the regime accountable, in particular for the hijacking of the Ryanair plane, the forced displacement of Ukrainian children from occupied territories, and crimes against humanity. The parties also talked about the legalization of stay problems faced by Belarusians in Greece and rehabilitation programs for children of repressed Belarusians.

With the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya talked about supporting the Belarusian diaspora activities in the city and cultural diplomacy initiatives like residences for Belarusian artists and internships for the Personnel Reserve, helping honest Belarusian businesses, as well as organizing exhibitions and Belarusian-Greek events.

With former Prime Minister of Greece, George Papandreou, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited a number of historical sites in Athens, where Mr. Papandreou spoke about the traditions of Greek parliamentarism. It is worth noting that Mr. Papandreou’s great-grandfather, Zygmunt Mineyko, was born in Belarus and actively participated in the Kastus Kalinouski Uprising. The Belarusian leader brought archival materials about this remarkable person, including information about his line of descent, photographs of ancestors, as well as documents about the property and lands of the Mineykos in Belarus. 

At the end of the meeting, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya invited Mr. Papandreou to Vilnius to visit the graves of his relatives and presented him with a book of memoirs “Z Taihi pad Akropole” (“From the Taiga to the Acropolis”) in the Belarusian language.

Source: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya