On April 26, Belarusians gathered near the Copernicus Monument in Warsaw to honor the memory of the Chornobyl tragedy, its consequences for Belarus and the world, and the people whose lives it changed forever.
More than 100 people took part. Speakers included Viachaslau Siuchyk, Father Viachaslau Barok, Pavel Latushka (United Transitional Cabinet), Franak Viacorka (Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office), and Aliaksei Dzikavitski (BNR Rada). The rally was hosted by musician Aliaksandr Pamidorau. Participants held posters with portraits of political prisoners and banners against the deployment of nuclear weapons. The rally began with the Belarusian, Ukrainian, and Polish national anthems. Afterward, participants marched to the monument of Maria Skłodowska-Curie.
Franak Viacorka: “Today, we honor the victims of Chornobyl and all victims of the Lukashenka regime. As a result of the regime’s actions, Belarus now faces the threat of losing its independence, and nuclear weapons have been deployed on its territory. Here in Warsaw, we gathered to draw the world’s attention to what is happening in Belarus today. We demonstrate that we have not given up, that we have not accepted this reality.
Today, we heard many expressions of solidarity from the international community — politicians, officials, and international organizations. Belarus remains in focus, and that is important.
I am glad that Chornobyl-related events bring together civil society organizations, politicians, cultural figures, and diaspora initiatives. This is a shared tragedy that unites us all”.
