News

On 2 July, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’ democratic forces, and congratulated her husband, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, on his release at the end of June.

The meeting discussed the release of 14 political prisoners imprisoned by Lukashenka's regime that took place a couple of weeks ago.  Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Siarhei Tsikhanouski thanked Lithuania for its principled stance, which had contributed to the recent release of political prisoners and the strengthening of Western political pressure on Belarus.

"A free, democratic, and human rights-respecting neighbouring Belarus is a key interest of Lithuania," the Minister stressed, ensuring assuring Lithuania's unwavering support for the Belarusian people's fight for freedom and democracy.

According to Budrys, while the neighbouring country Belarus is usurped by a criminal regime, it is necessary to ensure safety of the Belarusian democratic forces and their families who have found refuge in Lithuania.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy noted that while the freeing of Tsikhanouski was a significant step that gave hope to all unjustly persecuted dissidents, we must continue the fight for the unconditional release of all political prisoners. According to Belarusian human rights defenders, more than 1170 political prisoners are still illegally imprisoned in Belarusian jails, and the actual number may be several times higher.

Lithuania calls on the international community to tighten sanctions and increase pressure on the Belarusian regime until all political prisoners are released and real democratic reforms begin, as well as until this regime ceases its support for the Kremlin regime, which is carrying out aggression against Ukraine and its people. Lithuania continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus and ensures that our country will be a haven for those who are persecuted for their democratic beliefs.