Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I welcome all our heroes. Thank you for standing strong and enduring. Yesterday was a very emotional and difficult day for all of us.
First of all, I want to thank President Trump, John Coale, and Chris Smith. Thanks to their efforts, people walked free. President Trump was right — this was the release of hostages — and we value his personal role in this humanitarian process.
Thank you to the European Union and to all countries that, for years, have consistently called for the release of political prisoners. This is the result of our joint efforts.
I especially thank Lithuania, which acted quickly to take in the released prisoners, issue documents, and help them at the border. Thank you! And of course, thanks to all human rights defenders and international partners who responded immediately yesterday: the International Humanitarian Fund, Viasna, СДЖ, Dapamoga, BySol, Freedom House, Human Rights House, BAJ, and all partners.
We are happy to see people free. But let’s be honest: what happened yesterday was not real freedom, it was forced deportation. We are very worried about the fate of Mikalai Statkevich, who refused to leave Belarus — which was his right — and now his whereabouts are unknown. His brave act reminds us of Masha Kalesnikava, who tore up her passport when the regime tried to deport her.
Everyone who is released must have the right to choose — to stay or to leave. I spoke about this yesterday with our American partners, and we are pushing on that.
Releases must also mean the end of repression. Sadly, every week there are new political prisoners, and human rights defenders report that repression is only growing.
All political prisoners must be freed. President Trump has set the goal: all 1,300 must be released. We will continue to work with the U.S. administration and our allies in Europe to make sure the releases continue.
This is a step in the right direction, and I call on the regime to free all hostages from prisons. This must be the first step toward the national dialogue that Belarus so urgently needs.
Now our job is to support those who were freed — with legal, medical, and psychological help, and with documents and legalization. Yesterday alone we raised €85,000 for their support. I am deeply moved by this solidarity. We are working with governments to mobilize even more help. And in two weeks, we are preparing a major Congress on political prisoners, and I invite everyone to join.
Now I wish to give the floor to our heroes”.
