CHORNOBYL WAY
April 26 marked the 39th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on this occasion: “Chornobyl is not as distant as it may seem. Today’s regime behaves just like the Soviet authorities during the disaster. It is easier for them to stay silent, forget, and ignore. Chornobyl remains an inconvenient topic that destroys the pretty picture of prosperity and stability”.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya laid flowers at the Chornobyl Mother monument in Vilnius alongside diplomats and ambassadors from Lithuania, Poland, Estonia, Spain, the United States, Croatia, France, Ireland, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands.
Belarusians held commemorative events in Vilnius, Białystok, Warsaw, Wrocław, and other cities around the world. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Senior Political Advisor, Alexander Dabravolski, delivered a speech at the event in Vilnius.
The democratic forces adopted a resolution marking the anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster.
FUNERAL OF POPE FRANCIS
Pope Francis passed away on April 21. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya expressed her condolences: “His pontificate was a true example of service to humanity — marked by concern for people and unwavering struggle for dignity, freedom, and justice. He always stood beside those who were humiliated and persecuted. His voice resounded in defense of nations suffering under oppression or injustice”.
A delegation of the democratic forces of Belarus, including Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski, and representatives of Christian Vision, took part in the memorial ceremony at the Vatican.
After the ceremony, Mr. Kuchynski had the opportunity to hold a series of informal discussions with world political leaders and hierarchs of the Catholic and Orthodox churches.
4TH CONFERENCE OF THE BELARUSIAN DIASPORA
The 4th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora will be held in Warsaw on May 23–25. Participants may expect presentations by diaspora organizations and workshops on topics such as residence legalization and security, support for the repressed, education and culture, national identity, and development and financial opportunities for the diaspora. The conference will also feature a series of Q&A sessions with representatives of Belarus’ democratic forces and opportunities for group work on Belarus-related projects. Registration is available at this link.
DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH POLITICAL PRISONERS
The democratic forces invite everyone to join the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus on May 21.
RESIDENCE LEGALIZATION ISSUES IN GEORGIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, addressed Belarusians residing in Georgia regarding possible assistance in obtaining visas. Individuals with expired passports and those denied international protection can benefit from this assistance.
THE REGIME’S THREATS AGAINST THE BELARUSIAN DIASPORA
On April 23, Lithuania’s State Security Department reported that the intelligence agencies of Russia and Belarus are organizing attacks on Belarusians living in Lithuania. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya responded: “We understand that the threats are real and do not ignore them. But we will not be intimidated. We are confident that Lithuania’s security services are doing everything possible to protect Belarusians and to expose and stop any provocations by the regime’s special services”.
PERSONAL MEETINGS
This week, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held personal meetings with Belarusians. Her Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, also participated. These personal meetings are a safe way to communicate with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office and are open to anyone who wishes to join.
MARYIA KALESNIKAVA’S BIRTHDAY
April 24 was the birthday of Maryia Kalesnikava, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s ally during the 2020 election campaign. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya recorded a birthday message: “When we first met, I was endlessly impressed by her willpower and determination! But what truly touched the hearts of mine and thousands of Belarusians was Masha’s smile and warmth. Everyone who met her at least once – whether in conversation, on the streets of Minsk, or during the women’s rallies – felt it. And I am certain that even behind bars, she hasn’t lost an ounce of optimism or her ability to support others, even in the most difficult circumstances”.
ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIASNA HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya congratulated the Viasna Human Rights Center on its 29th anniversary on April 26: “It is precisely the work of Viasna’s team and Belarusian human rights defenders that shows Belarusians have rights – and that there will always be people ready to defend them. I am deeply grateful to you, dear friends, for your resilience and humanity. For the fact that, no matter what, you never leave people alone with their misfortune”.
INTERNATIONAL EARTH DAY
April 22 was International Earth Day. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya released an address: “In a country where the regime pays no attention to people’s health or well-being and fights not against environmental threats but against green NGOs and their activists, it is particularly important to protect Belarus’ rich natural environment”.
MEDIA
This week, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was interviewed by General McMaster, Pozirk (1, 2), and BNS.
