Ms. Tsikhanouskaya highlighted the daily repression in Belarus and the upcoming sham election, calling for policies that distinguish Belarus from Russia.
She also presented five practical proposals:
1. Denying recognition to the Lukashenka regime or the January 26 sham election
“We must call things by their names. Lukashenka is a criminal who has seized power and must not be recognized. Affirm this with a resolution”.
2. Pressuring Lukashenka and his allies through sanctions and isolation
“Call for the release of political prisoners, an end to repressions, and Belarus’ withdrawal from the war”.
3. Supporting Lithuania in its referral of the regime’s crimes to the International Criminal Court in The Hague
“If we secure an arrest warrant for Lukashenka, it will deliver a significant blow to him, his regime, and Putin’s Russia”.
4. Increasing support for Belarus’ democratic forces and civil society
“Encourage your colleagues across ministries to invest in the European Endowment for Democracy, MATRA, and the Human Rights Fund. Consider support for Belarus as an investment in regional peace and security, as well as backing Ukraine”.
5. Strengthening interparliamentary cooperation
“Join the group “For a Democratic Belarus” in the Dutch Parliament. Such groups already exist in 24 countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Parliament”.
