SHAM ELECTION. The Belarusian leader recorded a video address to Belarusians regarding the “election” that the regime has scheduled for 2024: “Let us call things by their names. The so-called “Single voting day” announced by the regime is a sham. Just a ritual without meaning and justice. Dear Belarusians, Avoid any involvement in what the regime does. Be vigilant and do not let it deceive you”.
COORDINATION COUNCIL ELECTION. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the meeting with the Coordination Council and representatives of the United Transitional Cabinet where the Coordination Council election was discussed. The parties talked about the organizing committee and the format of the elections.
VISIT TO GERMANY. On November 25, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the Congress of the German Green Party in Karlsruhe, where she called on the participants to help Belarusians not only to bring about a change in their country but also to prepare for it. She asked the Greens to support political prisoners and simplify the legalization of stay for Belarusians in Germany.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also held talks with German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Head of the Bundestag group “For a Democratic Belarus” Robin Wagener, and leaders of the German Greens. The discussions focused on issues of legalization of stay in Germany, bringing Lukashenka to justice, evasion of sanctions by the regime and closing loopholes, and support for political prisoners in Belarus and civil society.
EXHIBITION IN VILNIUS. On November 21, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended the “Belarusian Martyrology” exhibition in Vilnius featuring a series of portraits of Belarusian political prisoners by artist Xisha Aniolava. The Belarusian leader spoke at the opening: “It is painful to look at all these portraits. I personally know many of these people. I cannot imagine how difficult it is for them now, both physically and psychologically. But I do know that they count on us. The issue of political prisoners must be heard every day – at international forums, high-level meetings, and in the media”.
SUPPORT OF POLITICAL VOLUNTEERS. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya endorsed the “Santa Claus Mail” campaign. It aims to fulfill the New Year’s wishes of the political prisoners’ children by gathering donations and buying presents for the children. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commented on the campaign: “The New Year holidays are a time when we all hope and believe in miracles. Especially children. They eagerly await the moment when gifts will magically appear under the Christmas tree. For them, true happiness is not a Lego box, a computer game, or a stuffed toy, but the feeling of magic and wish fulfillment. Let’s create a holiday atmosphere for the children!” You can join the initiative by following the link.
POLISH VISAS. Poland announced its plans to change the visa issuing process to protect the Polish minority in Belarus from persecution. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Adviser on Legal Affairs, Kristina Rikhter, commented on the decision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs: “This step holds significant value for Belarusians with Polish roots. Previously, Belarusians holding a Karta Polaka had D18 marks on the visa stickers in their passports. This used to allow the regime to see that someone is of Polish origin and has a Karta Polaka, which it considers a reason for additional checks. The border authorities even encouraged some Belarusians to renounce the document “voluntarily”. We have raised this issue during the working group meetings at the Polish Ministry of Interior and are pleased that our proposal will be implemented”.
CONFERENCE “WAY TO FREEDOM” IN KYIV. On November 29, Kyiv will host a conference organized by the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment Foundation in partnership with the democratic forces of Belarus. Representative of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, Anatoli Liabedzka, and representative of the United Transitional Cabinet, Henadzi Manko, will join the Conference which will focus on Ukraine-Belarus relations and the strategy for the liberation of Belarus.
BELARUS-NORWAY. On November 24, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya had a call with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Espen Bart Eide. The Minister invited the Belarusian leader to visit Oslo on an official visit. The parties discussed the situation with political prisoners, support for the families of the repressed, projects to popularize Belarusian culture and language, as well as ways to bring the regime to justice. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked the Norwegian government for supporting independent media and human rights defenders.
SCHOOLS IN BELARUS. Recently, a school in Minsk was named after Uladzimir Artsiomau, a former riot police chief. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commented on this: “Schools should bear names of our Nobel laureates, not the regime’s raiders. Renaming a school is not just a formality. It is an attempt to impose false heroes on children. Dear parents, the regime’s propaganda will never get your children as long as you are their primary source of information”.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR BELARUSIANS. The Office’s team on education released a new issue of the Asveta digest covering various educational opportunities, scholarships, and internships.
CONVERSATIONS WITH BELARUSIANS. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held her weekly personal conversations with Belarusians to discuss the issues faced by the people both in Belarus and beyond.
MEDIA. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya gave interviews to Zerkalo (Belarus), Diário de Notícia (Portugal), Vrij Nederland (Netherlands), Expresso (Portugal), Euronews (International), and Kontekst (Latvia).
