Freedom Day, beyond its historical significance, has become a symbol of international solidarity with Belarusians who continue their struggle for a democratic Belarus. On March 25, words of support were voiced for those who persist in their fight, remain unbroken in prisons, live in exile, or continue their resistance inside the country. Politicians, diplomats, democratic governments, and international organizations once again demonstrated: Belarusians are not alone.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office compiled these statements of solidarity. Find them below.
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament: “The fight for a free and democratic Belarus is alive and strong. Today, I’m proud to join Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya, the democratic opposition, and the people of Belarus on Freedom Day, and send the European Parliament’s strong message of support”.
Steen Noerlov, Head of the EU Delegation to Belarus: “Today, as Belarusians celebrate Freedom Day, we reaffirm the EU’s solidarity with the people of Belarus. We will continue to support all those striving for a democratic future for a proud, independent Belarusian nation”.
Jan Marian, Deputy Foreign Minister of Czechia: “On March 25, we commemorate the establishment of the Belarusian Democratic Republic in 1918. After the BNR was suppressed by the Bolsheviks, its leadership was based in Prague, where two exiled presidents are buried at Olšany Cemetery”.
Adam Hałaciński, Polish Foreign Minister’s Plenipotentiary for Cooperation with the Democratic Forces of Belarus: “My best wishes to all my Belarusian friends and partners celebrating Freedom Day. Deepest respect for your courage, determination and perseverance in the struggle for human rights and democracy”.
Oleksiy Goncharenko, President of the PACE Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons, Ukrainian MP: “We call to break diplomatic relations with the dictator Lukashenka! Today Belarusians around the world celebrate the Freedom Day and to support the Belarusian democratic forces our Caucus ‘For a Democratic Belarus’ calls for the following:
– Break diplomatic relations with Lukashenka’s regime.
– Recognize Belarus as an occupied territory.
– Transfer the premises of the Belarusian embassy to the democratic forces of Belarus.
Long live Belarus! Glory to Ukraine!”
Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, DC, declared March 25 Freedom Day for the 4th year in a row, saying that on this day, Belarusians “pause to honor their heritage and advocate for democracy, justice and the fundamental rights of all people”.
Jessica Rosencrantz, Minister for European Union Affairs of Sweden: “A future free democratic Belarus has a place in the European family. Sweden and the EU will continue to support those fighting for a free, democratic and independent Belarus, led by Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya. Today, on Freedom Day and the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus, and every day”.
Frédéric Petit, Member of the French National Assembly: “Very proud to be wearing the colors of a free Belarus in front of the National Assembly on this Belarus Freedom Day. A thought for all the exiles who had to flee the Lukashenka dictatorship and all the political prisoners and their families”.
Caspar Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands: “On Belarus Freedom Day, the Netherlands underlines its unwavering solidarity with all Belarusians who strive for freedom and democracy, including our dear friend Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya. We once again call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners”.
