Statement by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office on recent acts of vandalism in Vilnius
We strongly condemn the recent acts of vandalism in Vilnius targeting Belarusian organizations and institutions. The shooting at the windows of the Belarusian Orthodox parish, the shattered windows of the Belarusian Cultural Center, and the offensive graffiti near the Dapamoga refugee shelter are aggressive actions intended to intimidate freedom-loving Belarusians who have found refuge in […]
September 05, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s comment on abuse in women’s prisons in Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Every time I hear about the abuse women face in Belarusian prisons, I can’t hold back tears. My heart is sinking today after I learned about the worsening health condition of political prisoner Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk. She suffers from chronic pancreatitis — a disease that requires constant medical supervision and a strict diet. Instead, […]
September 04, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on release of 30 political prisoners
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “The release of 30 more political prisoners was announced today. Many of them are parents of minor children. I can’t help but feel overwhelming joy knowing that these kids will finally get to hug their parents, and families will be reunited after such painful separations. But we still have a long way to […]
September 04, 2024
New page on ways to support political prisoners on Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s website
Over 1,400 Belarusians are behind bars on political grounds, and each day of their imprisonment is a day of life they sacrifice for a free Belarus. The new page on political prisoners offers essential information on how you can help: 📌 Facts and statistics. The page provides information about the repressions in Belarus, as well […]
September 03, 2024
Summit of Belarusians of North America, Andrei Hniot’s trial, deportations from Sweden. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for August 26 to September 1, 2024
MEETING WITH MEPs Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Lithuanian Members of the European Parliament to discuss the strategy ahead of the 2025 election in Belarus, the situation on the Belarusian border with Ukraine, and the deportation of Belarusians from the EU. The parties also discussed support for Belarus on the EU agenda and cooperation between democratic […]
September 03, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Knowledge Day address
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addresses Belarusian parents on September 1, when the school year starts in Belarus: Every year on September 1, I find myself amazed at how quickly time flies. It feels like just yesterday that Siarhei and I, nervous but proud parents, were walking Karnei to his first day of school. And now, I can […]
September 01, 2024
Marharyta Vorykhava: “How can our youth blossom in a system that stifles free thinking and innovation?”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, comments on Lukashenka’s proposal to create a Harvard-style “educational hub” in Belarus: “Lukashenka’s idea that ‘Belarusian talents must stay in the country’ might sound appealing on paper but we all know the truth. How can our youth blossom in a system that stifles free thinking […]
August 30, 2024
Franak Viacorka’s comment on asylum denials for Belarusians in Sweden
In recent days, after two Belarusian citizens were deported from Sweden, with one of them arrested right at the border, there have been significant discussions about the asylum situation for Belarusians in Sweden. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Chief Advisor, Franak Viacorka, shares what Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office has done in response to the situation. 📎 Consultations are ongoing […]
August 30, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Lithuanian MEPs to discuss international support strategy for Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Members of the European Parliament from Lithuania, Andrius Kubilius and Rasa Juknevičienė, today in Vilnius. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya congratulated the MEPs on their re-election, and Andrius Kubilius on his nomination for Lithuania’s Representative in the European Commission. During the meeting, they discussed the strategy ahead of the so-called 2025 election in Belarus. […]
August 29, 2024
“European Commission has communicated its position on Andrei Hniot’s case to Serbian leadership and outlined our expectations”. Ursula von der Leyen wrote a letter to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, sent a letter to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, confirming that she is well aware of the case involving Belarusian movie director, activist, and journalist Andrei Hniot. “The European Commission is in direct contact with the Serbian side. More specifically, the EU Delegation in Belgrade attended the court […]
August 29, 2024
“These aren’t stories about life. They’re about daily torture”. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on reports from women’s prison in Homiel
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Every time I hear about what’s happening in the prisons, my heart shatters. Behind every ‘ordinary day’ reported from the women’s prison is a politically imprisoned Belarusian woman’s story of suffering and hardship. This morning, I heard about Maryia Kalesnikava, Nasta Loika, and others. Sadly, we’ve come to a point where we’re relieved […]
August 29, 2024
Contact Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office
If you need assistance, want to ask a question, or make a suggestion, here’s how you can reach out to us! All our communication channels are securely protected, and your inquiries and information (if you share it) will remain confidential within the Office. 1️⃣ Telegram chatbot. Use the @AskOffice_Bot to quickly get information or submit […]
August 29, 2024
Statement by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office on Andrei Hniot’s case in Serbia
The Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya fully supports Andrei Hniot in his struggle for freedom and dignity. Andrei’s case is a clear example of politically motivated persecution of a civic activist from Belarus. Known for his active stance and participation in peaceful protests, Andrei has been arrested and unlawfully held by the authorities of the Republic […]
August 27, 2024
Solidarity rallies for Andrei Hniot, statement on Armenia, International Humanitarian Fund, Belarus’ Independence Day. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for August 19-25
SOLIDARITY RALLIES FOR ANDREI HNIOT Belarusian diasporas organized worldwide solidarity actions in support of Andrei Hniot, who faces extradition to Belarus from Serbia. The events took place ahead of the appeal court hearing scheduled for August 27. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office is working on this case and fully supports Andrei Hniot in his fight for freedom. […]
August 26, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We must organize everything in a way to attract Belarusians back to the country”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya participated in Campus Polska and shared her thoughts on the 2025 election and the future awaiting Belarusians. Here are the key points from her speech: 📌 “I want to avoid creating the illusion that everything will be perfect after the democratic change. It will be a difficult and painful period of recovery instead […]
August 25, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We were often told that we are too submissive. But those same people are fighting for Ukraine as volunteers”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya participated in Campus Polska, an annual event where participants discuss current issues related to politics, security, culture, education, and civil society. The discussions during the event also featured prominent figures like the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. The Belarusian leader answered questions from […]
August 25, 2024
“Our country’s entire history is about fighting for freedom”. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Belarus’ Independence Day
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on Belarus’ Independence Day: “Dear Belarusians! Belarus became an independent state on this day 33 years ago. What many generations of Belarusians had dreamed of finally became a reality. Our country returned to the map of Europe. We regained our state, our coat of arms, and our flag, and later adopted our […]
August 25, 2024
“No expansionist ambitions of Russia can defeat the Ukrainian people”. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Ukraine’s Independence Day
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed the people of Ukraine on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day: “Dear President Zelenskyy! Dear Ukrainians! For over two and a half years now, the world has witnessed your daily resilience, strength of spirit, and dedication in the fight for freedom and independence. By fearlessly defending your country from the aggressor, […]
August 24, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya congratulated people of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia on Baltic Way’s 35th anniversary
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “On this significant day, as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way, I recall with great respect the remarkable act of unity and desire for freedom that united the people of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in 1989. Your courageous step became a symbol of resistance against dictatorship and an inspiration for […]
August 23, 2024
Anatoli Liabedzka on 2025 campaign in Belarus: “Both candidates and outcome are predetermined”
Advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Constitutional Reform, Anatoli Liabedzka, explained in an interview with Navy Chas why the regime is rushing to conduct the “special operation” called a “presidential election”. He also spoke on how the democratic forces view this “campaign”. 📌 “The authorities tend to hold major events like elections in winter when people […]
August 22, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office underwent financial audit by independent company
The auditing firm Moore Mackonis UAB conducted a thorough analysis and provided a report on the 2023 activities of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office. Moore Mackonis UAB operates in accordance with the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (the TBESV [IESBA] Code) and the requirements of the Law […]
August 22, 2024
“People’s health is the last thing that concerns the regime”. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on state of healthcare in Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Coronavirus is on the rise again in Belarus. COVID now has a much milder course in most cases but even in this situation, the regime yet again failed to organize healthcare effectively. For example, people with cardiovascular diseases are often sent to hospitals that do not specialize in their conditions, where they simply […]
August 21, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I’m an ordinary Belarusian and I stay true to what an ordinary Belarusian would expect from my work”
In an interview with the Ukrainian TV channel FREEDOM, the Belarusian leader shared her feelings about being in politics and discussed fatigue from the struggle, her views on the Russian opposition, and competition within the democratic forces. Here are some quotes from the conversation: 📌 “Politics hasn’t really become something I feel connected to. I […]
August 20, 2024
Political prisoners release, reviewed restrictions against Belarusian-registered vehicles in Lithuania, Siarhei Tsikhanouski’s birthday. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for August 12-18
RELEASE OF POLITICAL PRISONERS This week, the possible release of 30 political prisoners in Belarus was announced. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for efforts to secure the release of all those unjustly imprisoned. 15 more people were released from Belarusian prisons in early July. According to human rights defenders, at least 1,400 political prisoners remain incarcerated. REVIEWED […]
August 20, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I understand the concept of Realpolitik but I still want to believe in democracy”
In an interview with the Spanish publication 20 minutos, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed the primary focus of her Office’s work, Western support, and the steps needed to build a democratic Belarus. Here are the key points from the conversation: 📌 “Sanctions must affect the state’s trade, not ordinary people. The dictator doesn’t deserve such gifts. Discrimination […]
August 19, 2024
“The priority is to help people inside the country”. Franak Viacorka on the International Humanitarian Fund to help political prisoners in Belarus
Today is World Humanitarian Day, which celebrates organizations and their staff who provide aid to people in difficult circumstances. This day emphasizes the importance of global solidarity and support. Over the past four years, Belarusians have faced relentless political repression, with many having been through arrests, torture, and imprisonment. This has pushed many to the […]
August 19, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on the release of political prisoners
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I am happy to hear the reports of the release of several political prisoners. I am glad that their families will finally be reunited and the people who haven’t seen each other for weeks, months, and years will finally have the chance to embrace each other and talk. People are being released on […]
August 16, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I talk about political prisoners in Belarus at every international meeting”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I talk about political prisoners in Belarus at every international meeting. I explain that Belarus has found itself in a situation where human rights and basic freedoms are violated daily. Our compatriots, both men and women, who dared to stand up against the regime, are imprisoned in unbearable conditions. I always pay special […]
August 16, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We have no moral right to say: ‘Sorry, it didn’t work out’ – we must continue to fight”
Why sanctions against the regime require a new approach, why it’s important to support Belarusians, why Belsat TV must be preserved, and what consequences the West might face if it excludes Belarus from the agenda – Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed all this in an interview with the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita. 📌 “Democratic countries must remember that […]
August 16, 2024