RELEASE OF POLITICAL PRISONERS
On March 19, 250 political prisoners were released in Belarus. 15 of them were forcibly transferred to Lithuania, while 235 were allowed to remain in Belarus.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya released a statement: “I am sincerely grateful to Donald Trump, John Coale, Chris Smith, and the entire United States administration, which continues to work tirelessly to secure people’s release. These humanitarian efforts deliver results and save lives. I also thank all our partners who, together with us, are persistently working to secure the release of all political prisoners, put an end to repression, and bring real change to Belarus”.
VISIT TO BRUSSELS
In Brussels, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya joined the enlarged summit of the European People’s Party, addressed NATO ambassadors, attended a ceremony marking the EPP’s 50th anniversary, held meetings with European leaders, and delivered a lecture at the College of Europe.
The focus of the visit was on support for political prisoners, pressure on the regime, regional security, and Belarus on Europe’s agenda.
MEETINGS IN VILNIUS
In Vilnius, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski, held meetings with Irish Ambassador Seadhna MacHugh, French Ambassador Lucie Stepanyan, Italian Ambassador Emanuele de Maigret, and Norwegian Ambassador Atle Konta Midttun.
The discussions focused on support for political prisoners and expanding international cooperation. Ireland joined the International Humanitarian Fund and contributed €20,000. With France, the sides discussed cultural projects and joint events in Vilnius. With Italy, they continued dialogue on joining the Humanitarian Fund, and with Norway, on the IHF’s further development and a possible conference on energy security.
Vilnius remains a key hub for the international work of the democratic forces of Belarus.
DISCUSSION ON THE ROLE OF ACADEMIC AND CULTURAL COMMUNITY
On March 20, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the discussion “How to Defend Belarusian Independence: The Role of Academic and Cultural Community” in Warsaw.
The meeting brought together representatives of democratic institutions, experts, and the cultural community. Participants discussed how to maintain ties with Belarus, strengthen the role of the intelligentsia, and support creators under repression.
MEETING AT THE SEIMAS OF LITHUANIA
On March 17, a meeting was held at the Seimas of Lithuania between representatives of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office and Lithuanian Social Democrats to discuss legislative issues affecting Belarusians in Lithuania.
Key topics included ensuring Belarusians are not legally equated with Russians, safeguarding property ownership rights, preserving participation in local elections, and supporting key dates such as the Day of Solidarity with Belarus, Freedom Day, and the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster.
EXPERT CLUB MEETING
The fourth meeting of the “Professionally About the Current Issues” Expert Club was held in Warsaw. The experts emphasized the key role of the Constitution in rebuilding a democratic Belarus and agreed on the need to begin preparing the constitutional and legislative foundations of a future democratic Belarus.
PREPARATIONS FOR FREEDOM DAY 2026
On March 25, Belarusians will mark the 108th anniversary of the proclamation of the Belarusian Democratic Republic (BNR).
To unite Belarusians around the world, events, meetings, rallies, and cultural initiatives dedicated to the history of the BNR and the ongoing struggle for a free Belarus will take place in different countries.
The Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has prepared a list and an interactive map of the events.
NEW LAW ON POLITICAL PARTIES
On March 16, Aliaksandr Lukashenka signed a new law changing the procedure for establishing political parties to strengthen state control over party creation and activity, complicate registration, and effectively restrict political competition.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commented on the law: “Lukashenka does not need political parties. He fears any competition; he fears that he would simply lose in any fair election and that people would choose someone other than him”.
MEDIA
European Pravda (Ukraine), Associated Press (International), Pozirk (Belarus), Deutsche Welle (International), Pozirk (Belarus), LTV Ziņu dienests (Latvia), Chayka (Latvia), Pozirk (Belarus), Pozirk (Belarus), Pozirk (Belarus).
