ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE LUKASHENKA REGIME
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, along with Lithuania’s Minister of Justice, addressed the opening of the international conference “Accountability for Crimes and Human Rights Violations in Belarus” in Vilnius. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called for gathering evidence of the regime’s crimes, applying universal jurisdiction, and using international court mechanisms to hold the regime accomplices to account.
CONFERENCE ON NATIONAL IDENTITY
On September 14-15, the United Transitional Cabinet hosted the conference “Belarus ID Revival Days” in Warsaw, focusing on key issues of Belarusian identity, education, science, and culture. The conference discussed strategies for Belarus’ national revival.
SIARHEI TSIKHANOUSKI’S 550 DAYS IN INCOMMUNICADO DETENTION
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed the public on the occasion of Siarhei Tsikhanouski’s 550 days in incommunicado detention, urging solidarity with political prisoners and continued efforts for their release.
SUPPORT FOR POLITICAL PRISONERS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office prepared a list of contacts for organizations that assist former political prisoners and their families in rebuilding their lives after the violence and repression they experienced in Belarus.
ATTACK ON ORTHODOX PARISH IN VILNIUS
The Belarusian leader, along with representatives of the diplomatic corps, met with priests and parishioners of the Belarusian Orthodox parish in Vilnius. The church was attacked in early September, with windows shot at with pneumatic weapons. During her visit, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya expressed hope for a swift investigation and condemned such attacks.
BELARUSIAN COMMUNITY IN LITHUANIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya continued her series of meetings with Belarusians in Lithuania. On September 10, she visited the A2 Print store in Vilnius, meeting with its co-founder, former political prisoner Alesya Bunevich, her partners, and former volunteer fighter Aliaksandr Klachko. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked them for preserving Belarusian culture and supporting political prisoners and volunteer fighters in Ukraine.
US’ SUPPORT FOR DEMOCRATIC BELARUS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the US Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, during his visit to Vilnius. Mr. Campbell highlighted the United States’ continued support for the Belarusian people and the democratic movement.
ESTONIA AND LATVIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Secretary General of Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jonatan Vseviov, to discuss current issues and challenges faced by Belarusians. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also met with Latvia’s Special Representative to the Belarusian democratic community, Gunta Pastore, discussing the recent restrictions against Belarusian-registered vehicles in Latvia, pressure on the regime, and comprehensive support for Belarusians.
ITALY
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski, met with representatives from the Italian Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Parliament during his working visit to Italy. The main topics were strengthening support for Belarusians and fostering cooperation between Italy and the democratic forces of Belarus.
NORWAY
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya met with Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide. They discussed aid for Belarusian civil society and the International Humanitarian Fund to support repressed Belarusians, which has already received contributions from Sweden and Norway.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR BELARUSIANS
Under the honorary patronage of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and following her October 2023 visit, a scholarship program was launched at MCI Management Center Innsbruck. Five Belarusians have been awarded scholarships, including Aliaksandra Pushkina of the Zerkalo media outlet.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor for Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, discussed scholarship opportunities available to Belarusian students in Europe.
ANDREI HNIOT’S CASE
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office continues to support Andrei Hniet and welcomes the decision by an appeals court in Serbia to cancel his extradition. The Office demands his immediate release.
MEDIA
This week, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was featured in articles by BELSAT (Belarus), Associated Press (International), and APNews (International). She also gave an interview to the Dozhd TV channel.
