VISIT TO LONDON
From June 2 to 5, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was on a working visit to London. She met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty, addressed the International Parliamentary Alliance “For a Democratic Belarus”, took part in an expert discussion at Chatham House, and opened an expert event on the future Constitutional Court reform in a democratic Belarus. She also delivered a lecture at University College London.
INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY ADDRESS
On June 1, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on the occasion of International Children’s Day: “Protecting children is not only about safety. It is about the right to live at home and be with their parents and loved ones. It is about the freedom to ask difficult questions, to disagree, to make mistakes, and to dream. It is about growing up in a country where children can truly enjoy their childhood without fear. And that is exactly what we are fighting for — a better future for our children”.
MEETING WITH INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN FUND SPOKESWOMAN BERIT LINDEMANN
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Diplomatic Advisor, Dziаnis Kuchynski, held a meeting with the Secretary General of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, Berit Lindemann. The NHC operates the International Humanitarian Fund established to support those affected by repression in Belarus. The parties discussed the IHF’s results over the past two years, support for former political prisoners and repressed Belarusians, and the strategy for further work aimed at expanding the number of participating countries.
KOŚCIUSZKO FORUM
On June 2, the Kosciuszko Forum took place in Gdańsk, dedicated to the role of culture and identity in times of political deadlock. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks online. She thanked the European Solidarity Center, the Polish authorities, and international partners for supporting Belarusian culture, political prisoners, and Belarusians in exile. She stressed that culture today helps Belarusians stay connected and resist Russification.
LETTER TO ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW
On June 7, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski, attended the Divine Liturgy led in Vilnius by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Following the service, Mr. Kuchynski conveyed greetings from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Belarusian Orthodox believers in Lithuania and presented a letter from Ms. Tsikhanouskaya to His All Holiness.
In the letter, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked the Patriarch for blessing the establishment of the Belarusian Orthodox parish in Vilnius and for supporting Belarusian Orthodox believers in exile.
LEANID MAROZAU’S STATEMENT ON SEARCHES TARGETING STUDENTS
On June 3, searches and interrogations took place across Belarus targeting individuals connected to the European Humanities University. According to reports, security forces threatened students’ relatives with criminal prosecution unless their children withdrew from the university.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, released a statement: “The regime’s decision to launch criminal prosecutions against people because of their connection to EHU is yet another confirmation that repression in Belarus has long since expanded beyond political opponents and now targets education, academic freedom, and the fundamental right to knowledge”.
MAY HIGHLIGHTS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office compiled the key developments of the past month, including important meetings, international decisions, new initiatives, and practical outcomes benefiting Belarusians.
MEDIA
The News Agents, Suspilne Novyny (Ukraine), APNews (International), Radio Svoboda (Ukraine), Radio NOS (the Netherlands), Times Radio (the UK), Zerkalo (Belarus), Zerkalo (Belarus), Nasha Niva (Belarus).
