MEETING WITH MEPs
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Lithuanian Members of the European Parliament to discuss the strategy ahead of the 2025 election in Belarus, the situation on the Belarusian border with Ukraine, and the deportation of Belarusians from the EU. The parties also discussed support for Belarus on the EU agenda and cooperation between democratic forces and the European Parliament.
DEPORTATION OF BELARUSIANS FROM SWEDEN
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office began negotiations with the Swedish government to suspend the deportation of Belarusian citizens to Belarus. Sweden reportedly deported two Belarusian citizens who were denied political asylum earlier. According to media reports, one of the deported was immediately detained at the Belarusian border. The Swedish Migration Agency pledged to review the latest decisions on Belarusian citizen’s cases.
ANDREI HNIOT’S CASE
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, sent a letter to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, confirming that the EU is monitoring the developments in Andrei Hniot’s case and has communicated its position to Serbia. On August 27, a court session took place in Belgrade as Andrei Hniot is awaiting a decision on his extradition. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office continues negotiations with the EU countries and Serbian representatives regarding his release.
STRATEGY FOR 2025
The democratic forces of Belarus are negotiating a joint strategy for 2025 and the so-called election planned by the regime. Specifically, they intend to achieve international non-recognition of the election and conduct a joint campaign to rally the voters. According to Belpol, the election may take place as early as February 2025.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SVIATLANA TSIKHANOUSKAYA’S OFFICE
Ahead of the New Belarus Conference 2024, the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya summarizes the work of the democratic forces of Belarus over the past year. Various areas of activity are reflected, including international work, education, culture, assistance to volunteer fighters in Ukraine, cooperation with diasporas, and more.
SUMMIT OF BELARUSIANS OF NORTH AMERICA
The 35th Summit of Belarusians of North America took place in Toronto, Canada, with over 150 representatives of diaspora organizations and initiatives from the USA, Canada, and the UK participating. During the meeting, they discussed support for the repressed and volunteer fighters in Ukraine, as well as cooperation between the diaspora, businesses, and independent media. Franak Viacorka represented Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office.
MARYIA KALESNIKAVA’S SITUATION
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commented on the reports from the women’s prison in Homiel concerning the torture faced by Maryia Kalesnikava and other political prisoners. She urged people to continue writing letters to political prisoners.
ACADEMIC YEAR
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed parents of schoolchildren on the occasion of the start of the academic year: “Dear parents! I wish you patience and strength to teach your children the most important lesson — how to remain kind and compassionate in any situation”.
TATIANA SHCHYTTSOVA ON CHANGES IN BELARUSIAN EDUCATION
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science released a statement following Lukashenka’s speech at the National Pedagogical Council event in Minsk. Ms. Shchyttsova highlighted the further militarization of education and the involvement of security forces in patriotic education. She also pointed out the deep crisis in education, declining salaries, massive staff outflow, and international isolation, which has led to the lack of academic freedom and domination of Russian policies.
MARHARYTA VORYKHAVA ON LUKASHENKA’S PROPOSALS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students commented on the idea of creating an “educational hub” proposed by Lukashenka. She noted that youth cannot blossom in a system that stifles free thought and innovation.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND INTERNSHIPS FOR BELARUSIANS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office compiled international scholarship and internship programs available for Belarusians. You can view them at the link.
CONTACTS OF SVIATLANA TSIKHANOUSKAYA’S OFFICE
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office released a list of its communication channels. They all are securely protected, and your inquiries and information (if you share it) will remain confidential within the Office.
MEDIA
This week, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was mentioned by PAP (Poland), TVP (Poland), The Kiyv Independent (Ukraine), ifex (Canada), and Newsweek (International).
