Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “A new holiday was introduced in Belarus a few years ago – Father’s Day. It was intended to be a bright and kind occasion, meant to strengthen family traditions. But, unfortunately, Lukashenka, like he always does, only tried to create an illusion of care for Belarusians. That’s why today, the pro-regime TV channels will say nothing about the fathers the regime took away from their families. They won’t mention Aliaksandr Zialiutkin, whose wife now has to raise six children alone. The TV will not be brave enough to speak about how Zmitser Dashkevich is being held in solitary confinement while his little son grows up without his father. And they will remain silent about why Pavel Krasutski couldn’t be by his wife’s side when their child was born.
The regime has taken the father away from my children too. It has deprived us of precious moments that we can never experience again. I know that more than anything else, Siarhei would want to be with Karnei and Ahniya – supporting their new hobbies, helping with their homework, and planning for the future. Even now, Siarhei, honest, resilient, and caring, remains a role model for our children.
Dear fathers! Every day, you do everything possible, and sometimes even the impossible, to create warmth and care for your loved ones.
Happy Father’s Day!”
