Response to Vasil Verameichyk’s extradition to Belarus, visits to Estonia, Austria and Canada, 1000 days of war in Ukraine. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for November 18-24
RESPONSE TO THE EXTRADITION OF EX-WARRIOR TO BELARUS Belarusian citizen Vasil Verameichyk, who previously fought against Russian aggression in Ukraine as part of the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, was extradited this week from Vietnam to Belarus. Vasil moved to Ukraine after participating in the 2020 protests in Belarus and became the Deputy Commander of the Volat […]
November 26, 2024
Maryia Kalesnikava’s meeting with her father, preparations for 2025 sham election, Ostrozhsky Forum in Kyiv. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for November 11-17, 2024
MARYIA KALESNIKAVA’S MEETING WITH HER FATHER On November 12, Maryia Kalesnikava met her father in the prison hospital. It was not reported whether Ms. Kalesnikava is currently being treated or whether she was brought for the meeting from a punishment ward, where she is most likely being held. The last time Maryia and her father […]
November 19, 2024
Belarus and Council of Europe, fall of the Berlin Wall, release of political prisoners, commemoration of Raman Bandarenka. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for November 4-10
VISIT TO STRASBOURG Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Strasbourg this week. During the working trip, the Belarusian leader met with the leadership of the Council of Europe and took part in the World Forum for Democracy. As a result of the visit, the Council of Europe will establish the Information Office for Belarus in Vilnius, as well […]
November 11, 2024
Visit to Iceland, Andrei Hniot’s release, mass arrests in Belarus. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for October 28 to November 3, 2024
VISIT TO ICELAND Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Iceland, speaking at the 76th session of the Nordic Council and meeting with the prime ministers, parliament speakers, and foreign ministers of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. She called for leadership in supporting Belarus. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also met with the President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, and MPs from […]
November 04, 2024
Democratic forces’ statement on 2025 presidential “election”, Luxembourg Solutions summary, registration of Belarusian vehicles in Latvia. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for October 21-27
DEMOCRATIC FORCES’ JOINT STATEMENT ON THE 2025 “ELECTION” The democratic forces of Belarus released a joint statement regarding the 2025 presidential “election” in Belarus, scheduled for January 26. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also addressed Belarusians regarding the sham election PRACTICAL OUTCOMES OF LUXEMBOURG SOLUTIONS Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office released a summary of the recommendations provided in the document […]
October 29, 2024
Visits to Germany and Poland, Ivulin Cup, Mother’s Day in Belarus. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for October 14-20
PREPARATIONS FOR THE 2025 CAMPAIGN Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, the United Transitional Cabinet, and the Coordination Council are preparing a joint strategy for the regime’s so-called election scheduled for 2025. The democratic forces of Belarus call for its non-recognition and intend to conduct an alternative awareness campaign. VISIT TO GERMANY On October 14-15, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited […]
October 21, 2024
Visit to Norway, new UN Rapporteur on Belarus, “This is Youth” platform. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for October 7-13
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 […]
October 15, 2024
Visit to Poland, ICC referral, OSCE conference. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for September 30 – October 6
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT REFERRAL Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office reported that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has received a referral from Lithuania to launch an investigation into the crimes of the Lukashenka regime committed against Belarusians following the 2020 election. Find answers to the frequently answered questions about the referral at the link. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Pavel […]
October 09, 2024
UN General Assembly, UN Human Rights Council. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for September 23-29
VISIT TO THE USA Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was on a working visit to the United States this week, attending events held in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and Chicago, including within the UN General Assembly. She also participated in the events held by the Atlantic Council, Clinton Global Initiative, Concordia, Chicago Council on Global Affairs, CEPA, World […]
September 30, 2024
Release of political prisoners, aid to flood victims, launch of International Humanitarian Fund. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for September 16-22
LAUNCH OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN FUND Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, together with Belarusian human rights defenders, presented the International Humanitarian Fund to support the repressed. The fund, already supported by Sweden and Norway (with contributions totaling €1.5 million), will assist political prisoners and their families, with a focus on those inside the country. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that the […]
September 23, 2024
Accountability for human rights violations, support for political prisoners, Andrei Hniot’s case, international cooperation. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for September 9-15
ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE LUKASHENKA REGIME Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, along with Lithuania’s Minister of Justice, addressed the opening of the international conference “Accountability for Crimes and Human Rights Violations in Belarus” in Vilnius. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called for gathering evidence of the regime’s crimes, applying universal jurisdiction, and using international court mechanisms to hold the regime accomplices to […]
September 16, 2024
Meetings with Belarusian refugees and former political prisoners, the release of a Belarusian woman in Armenia, and plans for 2025. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for September 2-8
ESCALATION AT THE BELARUSIAN-UKRAINIAN BORDER Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya condemned the regime’s attempts to escalate the situation at the Belarusian-Ukrainian border and the dictator’s statements about the concentration of Belarusian troops in border areas. On September 5, two Russian kamikaze drones, known as “Shahed,” were shot down in Belarus. This is not the first incident; in recent […]
September 12, 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
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
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
Fourth anniversary of 2020 presidential election, response to changes in history teaching and pressure on scientists. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for August 5–11
FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN BELARUS On Friday, August 9, rallies were held in different countries to honor the fourth anniversary of protests in Belarus. On this day, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for strengthening the Belarusian community abroad and supporting each other in the fight for democratic change. Later, the national leader of Belarus […]
August 12, 2024
New Belarus Conference. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for July 29 – August 4
NEW BELARUS CONFERENCE The New Belarus Conference 2024, organized by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, took place in Vilnius on August 3-4, gathering over 300 representatives of Belarusian civil society organizations and political bodies, politicians, diplomats, experts, activists, and journalists. More than 100 organizations and initiatives were represented. The conference was watched online by over 70,000 users […]
August 09, 2024
30 years of dictatorship, EU restrictions against Belarusian-registered vehicles. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for July 22-28
DAY OF BELARUSIAN SOVEREIGNTY Belarus adopted its Declaration of State Sovereignty on July 27, 1990. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on this occasion: “Independence begins with each of us taking responsibility for our future”. EU RESTRICTIONS AGAINST BELARUSIAN-REGISTERED VEHICLES Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office and the United Transitional Cabinet continued consultations with Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia regarding […]
July 29, 2024
European Political Community Summit, visit to Poland, restrictions at EU border. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for July 15-21, 2024
EUROPEAN POLITICAL COMMUNITY SUMMIT Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya participated in the European Political Community Summit held on July 18 in the UK. She was invited by the new UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. During the Summit, the Belarusian leader met with leaders from countries such as Germany, Ukraine, Finland, Italy, Spain, Moldova, Lithuania, Estonia, Croatia, Denmark, the […]
July 22, 2024
Visit to the US, Coordination Council speakers, Tutaka Festival. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for July 8-14, 2024
VISIT TO THE USA From July 9 to 12, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Washington, where she participated in the NATO Public Forum at the invitation of the Secretary-General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg. During the visit, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe and co-authored an op-ed with Nancy Pelosi for The Washington Post, highlighting tyranny in […]
July 16, 2024
Release of political prisoners, visit to Latvia, Independence Day in Belarus, and Statehood Day in Vilnius. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for July 1-7, 2024
RELEASE OF POLITICAL PRISONERS The release of several political prisoners from Belarusian colonies was announced this week, including Ryhor Kastusiou, who has cancer. Most of the 15 released political prisoners were nearing the end of their sentences. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya released a statement calling for seeking freedom for all political prisoners. VISIT TO LATVIA Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya […]
July 08, 2024
Belarus–EU Consultative Group, meeting with Josep Borrell. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for June 24–30
BELARUS–EU CONSULTATIVE GROUP On June 25-26, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was in Brussels, where she participated in the third meeting of the Belarus–EU Consultative Group. The Belarusian side was represented by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, the Coordination Council, the United Transitional Cabinet, NGOs, human rights defenders, and the media. The EU, on the other hand, was represented by […]
July 02, 2024
Meetings with Council of Europe’s Secretary General and Armenian Foreign Minister, meeting with Belarusians in Vilnius. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for June 17-23
COOPERATION WITH COUNCIL OF EUROPE Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, at her office in Vilnius. They discussed the continued work of the Contact Group for Belarus’ civil society, steps towards developing a roadmap for Belarus’ accession to the Council of Europe, and the Information Point […]
June 25, 2024
Working visits to US, NED Democracy Medal, first meeting of new Coordination Council. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for June 10-16
VISIT TO US On 11-14 June, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya had a working visit to Washington, DC, during which she met with the ambassadors and diplomats of the G7 countries and called for international support and sanctions pressure on the Lukashenka regime. She also met with the former Speaker of the US House of Representatives and senators, […]
June 17, 2024
Luxembourg Solutions for Belarus, updated Coordination Council. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for June 3-9
VISIT TO LUXEMBOURG On June 5-7, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Luxembourg, where she met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Speaker of the Parliament, spoke at the Luxembourg Solutions conference focusing on resolving the problems faced by Belarusians in exile, including visas, legalization of stay, and support for national identity. The […]
June 10, 2024
Results of Coordination Council election, anniversary of Siarhei Tsikhanouski’s arrest, visit to Portugal. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for May 27-June 2
RESULTS OF THE COORDINATION COUNCIL ELECTION The Coordinating Council election was held on May 25-27. 80 delegates have been elected from 8 political groups and initiatives, including politicians, activists, and representatives of civil society and the media. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked all those who took part in the election despite the pressure and repression from the […]
June 04, 2024
Visit to Sweden, New Belarus Conference, Congress on Political Prisoners in Prague. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for May 20-26, 2024
VISIT TO SWEDEN At the beginning of the week, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya paid a working visit to Sweden. On May 20, the Belarusian leader met with the Prime Minister and the Minister for European Affairs of Sweden. During the meeting, the parties discussed support for Belarusian civil society and independent media, aid to political prisoners as […]
May 28, 2024
Speech before EU culture ministers, meeting with Belarusians in Poznań, Signal in Belarusian. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for May 13-19, 2024
CONFERENCE OF DEMOCRATIC FORCES IN WARSAW On May 19, the democratic forces held a conference in Warsaw, during which candidates for the Coordination Council presented their programs. Among the candidates are representatives of youth initiatives, NGOs, Belarusian volunteer fighters in Ukraine, bloggers, and politicians. The Coordination Council is a representative body of the democratic forces […]
May 20, 2024
Meetings in NATO, Victory Day, three scenarios for Belarus and region. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for May 6-12, 2024
MEETING WITH NATO OFFICIALS Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met for the first time with the NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg. Additionally, within the framework of the North Atlantic Council, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a briefing for the permanent representatives of all NATO member countries. In total, the discussions lasted more than 4 hours. The dialogue on the political […]
May 13, 2024