Belarus-Lithuania. On April 14, the President of Lithuania vetoed the law on the restrictive measures in view of military aggression against Ukraine, which was passed by the Lithuanian Seimas in two readings with softer restrictions regarding Belarusians. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commented on the veto, discussed the Office’s efforts to amend the bill, and explained why Belarusians must be distinguished from the regime’s accomplices. Tsikhanouskaya's legal advisor, Kristina Rikhter, talks about the next steps the Office will take to change the bill.
Solidarity with political prisoners. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke about the horrifying conditions in which Belarusian political prisoners are held, daily arrests in the country, and fundraising events supporting Belarusian political prisoners. Those detained for political reasons need our help and our solidarity.
International Day of Culture. On April 15, International Day of Culture, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya shared a list of Belarusian cultural initiatives whose efforts prevent Belarus from fully submerging into the “Russian world”.
International conference. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part as a patron in the Days in Exile, which are being held in Hamburg from April 11 to May 12. On April 11, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya gave a speech at the opening ceremony and took part in a live discussion.
BNR Rada. On April 11, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya congratulated the head of the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic, Ivonka Survilla, on her 87th birthday and reminded everyone of how much this strong woman has done for Belarus.
Belarus’ economy. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’ Advisor on Economic Reforms, Aleś Alaсhnovič, took part in the annual Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington, which revealed that Belarus has one of “the worst economic forecasts for the next 5 years”.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “The same bundle of products in 2023 costs 4.3 times what it used to cost in 2014! Has the salary increased by 4.3 times since 2014? Obviously not”.
Education in Belarus. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commented on the proposal to draft students to the army during their studies, as was done in the Soviet Union: “Such “innovations” will push Belarus further back in progress. Young people will lose their desire to acquire knowledge for their profession in their own country”.
Conference of the Belarusian diaspora. Let us remind you that on April 22-23, Vilnius will host the Second Conference of the Belarusian diaspora for organizations, communities, and initiatives of Belarusians abroad, initiated by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. A representative of the Office spoke in detail about it.
Office volunteers. On April 13, volunteers of the Office held a call with the policy secretary of RADA Youth Council, Dzmitry Herylovich, to discuss the state's youth policy, opportunities for Belarusian youth, and prospects in Belarus.
Media. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya gave interviews to ABC (Australia) (1, 2, 3, 4), TVP World (Poland), LRT (Lithuania), Polskie Radio 24 (Poland).
