NEW YEAR’S ADDRESS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered her New Year’s message to Belarusians, broadcasted on all official platforms. Despite the authorities blocking access to YouTube in Belarus for the second year in a row, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s address surpassed Lukashenka’s in viewership.
Read the text version of the address.
HOLIDAY GREETINGS FOR POLITICAL PRISONERS’ CHILDREN
Representatives of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office joined the annual Christmas Mail campaign, fulfilling the wishes of children of political prisoners and delivering gifts.
Partners of the 2024 campaign included A Country to Live in, Dissidentby, the Association of Belarusians in America, Belarusische Gemeinschaft RAZAM, and the People’s Embassies of Belarus.
2025 SHAM ELECTION
Belarus’ democratic forces continue preparations for the so-called ’presidential election’ scheduled for January 26. On the same day, the Free Belarusians Congress “Belarusians Deserve Better” will take place in Warsaw. Applications can be submitted via the form.
BELARUS IN ZELENSKYY’S NEW YEAR’S ADDRESS
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, mentioned Belarus in his New Year’s address: “I am sure that the day will come when we will all say: “Long Live Belarus!” Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya responded on X: “Thank you, President Zelenskyy, for your powerful call to support Belarusians defending freedom. Our fight for dignity and democracy unites us. Together, we prove that no dictator can break the spirit of those who believe in freedom”.
NEW LAW IN BELARUS
As of January 1, 2025, social services in Belarus may designate families as “at risk” if parents have an offense on record that is related to opposing the regime. This status may lead to the removal of children from the family’s custody.
COOPERATION WITH THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Constitutional Reform and Parliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka, held consultations with MEP Dainius Žalimas. The parties discussed:
- Participation of MPs and liberal party representatives in the European Parliament Forum on January 15;
- A solidarity event for political prisoners in Belarus involving MEPs;
- Cooperation in creating a positive agenda for a democratic Belarus.
GUIDE FOR BELARUSIANS DETAINED ABROAD
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, recorded a video speaking on the essential steps for Belarusians detained in a foreign country. They include informing the relatives, contacting human rights organizations or lawyers (including Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office), and requesting a legal counsel. Watch the video on Telegram and read OST’s previous guides on safe travel and human rights groups in some countries.
MEDIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was interviewed by Obychnoe Utro (Belarus) and TVP1 (Poland).
