On August 9, 2025, we mark five years since the Belarusian people rose up against dictatorship and stood united in a peaceful revolution for dignity, freedom, and democracy. On this day in 2020, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya won the people’s vote in the presidential election – only to have the result stolen by dictator Lukashenka, who declared a rigged victory and unleashed unprecedented repression.
Since then, Belarusians have not given up. Despite brutal crackdowns, torture, hundreds of thousands in exile, and more than 1,130 political prisoners behind bars, we continue to fight for a democratic, independent, and peaceful Belarus – one that belongs to its people.
This year’s Solidarity Day is especially symbolic. It marks five years of unbroken resistance. It follows the release of Siarhei Tsikhanouski, who spent five years behind bars, two of them in complete isolation. He was unjustly sentenced to 19.5 years for daring to challenge the dictator, held in inhumane conditions, deprived of any communication with the world.
Since 2020, over 65,000 Belarusians have been subjected to political arrests. These five years have been long years of suffering and torture for political prisoners. Those imprisoned face inhumane conditions – severely restricted correspondence, lack of medical care, and relentless psychological and physical pressure. So many more remain hostages of the regime: Maksim Znak, Maria Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, Ihar Losik, and Mikalai Statkevich have been held incommunicado for over two years. The team of the Viasna human rights center remains behind bars for doing their work – Marfa Rabkova, Valiantsin Stefanovich, Uladzimir Labkovich, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. Others suffer from serious medical conditions while serving long political sentences. Their courage and sacrifice must not be forgotten.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya stresses: “Supporting Belarusian democratic changes is not charity – it’s an investment in European security. We must distinguish between the Belarusian people and the Belarusian regime. For five years, we not just survived – we built institutions, networks, and hope”.
Belarusians also stand with Ukraine, as our fates are intertwined. There can be no free Belarus without a free Ukraine. And without a free Belarus, there will be no safe Ukraine or Europe. Our people are volunteering, donating, and resisting the war, and over 1,500 Belarusians have joined Ukraine’s Armed Forces as volunteers. More than 60 Belarusians have already given their lives defending Ukraine.
It’s very important for Belarusians to see that the democratic world is on their side throughout the whole fight for change. Belarusians need solidarity to continue on the path to freedom. Join us in marking August 9 – not just to remember, but to act.
Here you can find posters dedicated to the Day of Solidarity with Belarus.
To show that you #StandwithBelarus, you can:
Voice Solidarity: Share statements, tweets, and posts supporting Belarusians fighting for freedom and facing repression. Share news using #StandWithBelarus.
Show Visual Support: Display the national Belarusian white-red-white flag. Use banners, posters, or hashtags in public spaces.
Organize Events: Host discussions, seminars, exhibitions, cultural events, film screenings on Belarus.
Join Protests: Take part in or organize solidarity rallies with Belarusians abroad.
On Political Prisoners:
- Parliamentarians can become symbolic godparents via Politzek and Libereco.
- Learn more about political prisoners and repression in Belarus via Viasna. Write a letter to a political prisoner (also online): Viasna, Politzek.me, Dissidentby.
- Support released prisoners via Volnyja.
Aid Belarusian Volunteers in Ukraine: Support the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment and other Belarusians fighting in Ukraine.
Help Journalists: Provide legal and financial support through MediaSol, Reporters Without Borders, and International Media Support (Safety Fund), Belarusian Association of Journalists.
Donate to Key Initiatives: Support humanitarian aid, medicine, and protective gear via BYSOL, Free Belarus Center, Belarusian Youth Hub, Center for Belarusian Solidarity, Belarusian House in Warsaw, #BY_help, A Country to Live In, and ByMedSol. Support the International Humanitarian Fund for victims of repression. Cooperate with Belarusian Human Rights House, Belarusian Council for Culture, Razam Lithuania, Razam DE, Dapamoga, and Belarusian National Youth Council RADA.
