VISIT TO NORWAY
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Norway, where she spoke at a seminar on political prisoners in Oslo. The seminar was previously discussed during the April meeting with the Speaker of the Norwegian Parliament, Masud Gharahkhani. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called for international support and efforts for the release of all political prisoners, including Ales Bialiatski. She noted that courage and solidarity are the key forces that help prisoners keep hope while waiting for release.
During the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Espen Barth Eide, the leader discussed support for political prisoners and the International Humanitarian Fund. She urged Norway to support Lithuania’s referral of the Lukashenka regime’s crimes to the International Criminal Court and called for addressing the migration issues faced by Belarusians in Norway and intensifying sanctions against the regime.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also addressed the Storting, where she called for efforts at the international level to support democratic changes in Belarus. She proposed specific steps, such as the delegitimization of the 2025 sham election and assistance to Belarusians in exile. The Belarusian leader thanked Norway for its support.
NEW UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON BELARUS
During the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Nils Muižnieks was appointed as the new Special Rapporteur on Belarus, replacing Anaïs Marin. The UN Special Rapporteur plays a crucial role in the fight for human rights in Belarus by independently monitoring the human rights situation in the country and providing regular recommendations for improvement. Additionally, the Special Rapporteur tracks Belarus’ compliance with its international human rights obligations.
WORLD DAY AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY
On October 10, the World Day Against the Death Penalty was marked. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya released a statement: “Belarus remains the only country in Europe to still have the death penalty. This, in itself, is a relic of the past that denies the dignity of the human being. When the state decides who is worthy of life and who is not, it is as if it is asserting: With just our will, we can take not only your property and freedom but also the most valuable thing you have”. The leader called for the abolition of this punishment in the country.
ICC CASE AGAINST LUKASHENKA
In a commentary for BELSAT NEWS, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, talked about the prospects of the case against Lukashenka at the International Criminal Court.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office has previously reported that the International Criminal Court received a referral from Lithuania to start an investigation into the crimes of the Lukashenka regime committed within its repressive campaign against Belarusians after the 2020 election.
SECURITY: PHISHING ATTACKS
Recently, there has been an increase in phishing attacks on Microsoft and Google users. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office shared a guide on how to avoid losing data.
MEETING WITH SCIENCE AT RISK
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Tatiana Shchyttsova, met with representatives of the SCIENCE AT RISK Emergency Office in Berlin to discuss assistance to Belarusian scientists and students. SCIENCE AT RISK Emergency Office is a project of akno e. V., aimed at supporting scientists and students who suffered from the war in Ukraine, as well as political repressions in Belarus and Russia.
MEETING WITH ARTUR MICHALSKI
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met in Vilnius with Artur Michalski, the former Polish Ambassador to Belarus who currently serves as the Foreign Minister’s Plenipotentiary for cooperation with the democratic forces of Belarus. She thanked Ambassador Michalski for strengthening Belarus-Poland relations and supporting democratic Belarus for years.
As a sign of gratitude, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya awarded the ambassador with a medal from the United Transitional Cabinet.
PLATFORM “THIS IS YOUTH”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, launched the platform “This is Youth”. It will aim to support Belarusian youth both within the country and in exile and ensure that the problems, ideas, and thoughts of young people are heard and supported at the highest level.
PRESIDENT STATUS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski, named two main reasons that allow him to call Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya a president.
FRANAK VIACORKA ON THE REGIME’S FALL
In an interview with the Czech publication Forum24, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Chief Advisor, Franak Viacorka, shared that after the fall of the Lukashenka regime, two scenarios will be possible: “Either the Russians will try to put their creature in charge of the country, or Tsikhanouskaya will come to power.” Franak Viacorka expressed hope for a peaceful transition of power, where “Belarusians do not fight against Belarusians”.
MEDIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was featured this week in Kyiv Independent (International), Radyio Ratsya (Belarus), BelSAT (Belarus), VG (Norway), and Tok.fm (Poland).
