VISIT TO CANADA
The first session of strategic consultations between the government of Canada and the democratic forces of Belarus took place in Ottawa, resembling the Strategic Dialogue previously established with the United States. The decision to hold these consultations was made during Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s meeting with the Foreign Minister of Canada, Mélanie Joly. The consultations focused on support for independent media, efforts to hold the Lukashenka regime accountable for crimes against humanity, the 2025 sham election in Belarus, and the military and political situation in the region. Both sides reaffirmed a shared vision of a democratic Belarus, free from oppression, corruption, and interference.
In addition, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a briefing for the ambassadors of the European Union countries, urging them to support Belarusians’ mobility, educational programs, independent media, and Belarusian culture. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya invited Canadian MPs to take patronage over political prisoners and deny recognition for the upcoming “election” in Belarus. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also met with Belarusians in Toronto as part of her working visit to discuss the democratic forces’ cooperation with the Canadian government and the diaspora’s activities in Canada.
DENIED EXTRADITION IN POLAND
On November 28, the Poznań District Court ruled against the extradition of Belarusian activist Dmitry Pleskachev after determining that the request from the Lukashenka regime was politically motivated. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, commented on the court’s decision.
2025 SHAM ELECTION
Ahead of the so-called “election”, the Lukashenka regime’s propaganda has intensified its efforts to distort reality. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office analyzed the typical techniques used to manipulate public opinion.
RALLY IN SUPPORT OF VASIL VERAMEICHYK
A solidarity event took place in Vilnius in support of Vasil Verameichyk, who was extradited in November to the Lukashenka regime by Vietnamese authorities despite having protested in Belarus in 2020 and defended Ukraine after the full-scale invasion in 2022. The event featured a speech by Daniil Garkavy of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, who called on Belarusians who face challenges with legal status to seek help, offering assistance from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office. In addition, he called on the Lithuanian authorities to make decisions on each case individually, taking into account the threat to life posed by deportation to Belarus, and proposed to establish a human rights expertise mechanism.
PROTESTS IN GEORGIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya made a statement in support of the people of Georgia in their struggle for European integration: “Stay strong and keep fighting for your freedom and democracy – your courage inspires the world. The people of Georgia have the right to choose their destiny and a European future”.
SAFETY GUIDE FOR DRONE THREATS
Over the past week, an absolute record number of combat drones was recorded over Belarusian territory. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office prepared recommendations to help avoid panic and protect lives during drone attacks.
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Alina Kharysava of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office addressed Belarusian women on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, reminding them that they are not alone and that violence is not the norm. She called for supporting victims, dispelling stereotypes, and promoting equality.
MEDIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was featured this week in reports by TVO Today (Canada), The Globe and Mail (Canada), Global News (Canada), Toronto Star (Canada), Reuters (International), and CBC (International).
