NEW BELARUS CONFERENCE
The New Belarus Conference 2025 will take place in Warsaw on August 9–10, marking the anniversary of the mass protests of 2020. The event will feature a review of five years of the democratic forces’ efforts, joint resolutions, new campaigns, and United Transitional Cabinet appointments.
See the conference program at the link. You can still register as a participant or apply for journalist accreditation.
SOVEREIGNTY DECLARATION ANNIVERSARY
July 27 marked 35 years since Belarus adopted its Declaration of Sovereignty. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on the occasion: “No one gets independence by chance, and it is not granted forever. It must be defended”.
SUPPORT FOR WOMEN WHO FACED HARASSMENT
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya voiced support for women who spoke out about harassment, noting that despite the case involving a specific individual, the BYSOL Foundation must continue its important work. BYSOL is not one person – it is a team doing vital work for Belarus.
LUSTRATION PROJECT FOR NEW BELARUS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, commented on the Lustration Concept for Belarus, presented by the democratic forces in June, during an appearance on Belsat TV. He explained which officials will fall under lustration during the transitional period and how to strike a balance between justice and reconciliation.
COOPERATION WITH TECH COMPANIES
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office held a meeting with Belarusian media and experts to discuss challenges in working with Big Tech. Issues included the limited support of the Belarusian language in their algorithms and UI (Google, YouTube, ChatGPT, DeepL), challenges with content promotion and monetization, as well as global trends – stricter platform regulation (like the EU’s DSA), scaled-back advocacy programs, and reduced transparency from tech giants.
Participants agreed on the need for a systemic approach, specific advocacy goals, and sustainable mechanisms for dialogue between tech companies, Belarusian media, and civil society.
EXHIBITION ON POLITICAL PRISONERS IN PRAGUE
On July 24, an exhibition opened in Prague, dedicated to political prisoners from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. It was organized by the Czech Foreign Ministry in cooperation with the NGOs People In Need, Prague Civil Society Centre, and Gulag.cz.
APPEAL TO THE PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya sent an official appeal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, urging him to support and accelerate the adoption of the law that would define the legal status of Belarusian volunteer fighters in Ukraine.
OFFICIAL COMMENT ON STATEMENT BY LITHUANIAN MP
A public statement by a Lithuanian MP included false and misleading information and harmed friendly relations between Lithuanians and Belarusians. The Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya issued a statement in response.
SOLIDARITY RALLY WITH UKRAINE
On July 28, the weekly rally in support of Ukraine will take place for the 148th time at Cathedral Square in Vilnius. This time, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Siarhei Tsikhanouski will join the event to demonstrate Belarusians’ support for Ukraine.
PENSIONS IN BELARUS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office answered Belarusians’ questions about the country’s pension system: “The Lukashenka regime likes to call pensions a ‘social guarantee’. But the truth is, they’re not. Belarusians pay for them themselves, and they do so every month”.
MEDIA
This week, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was interviewed by Radyio Svaboda (Belarus), iNews (the UK), The Parliament (International), and Politico (International). The Globe and Mail (Canada), France 24 (France) and DR (Denmark) released Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Siarhei Tsikhanouski’s joint interviews.
