As part of her official visit to the Czech Republic, leader of the Belarusian democratic opposition Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with representatives of Czech civil society at the Vaclav Havel Library June 8.  

During the working meeting, Tsikhanouskaya and members of dozens of Czech non-governmental organisations discussed the political situation in Belarus and opportunities to show solidarity with Belarusians struggling for freedom and democracy and defending human rights. Under Lukashenka’s brutal regime, pro-democracy activists face arrest, imprisonment, persecution, torture and repression on a level unparalleled in the country’s modern history.

“Belarus is going through a very difficult time, and the people fighting against injustice deeply appreciate your support”, said Tsikhanouskaya.

“The Czech Republic has lead the way in engaging the larger society in support of a democratic Belarus, and has inspired other countries to mobilise resources in support of this cause”, added her colleague Franak Viachorka. “It’s important for us to know how much other countries care about Belarus”.

Hundreds gathered on Prague’s Old Town square June 7 to call for a free Belarus, with many waving the white-red-white flag of independence that Belarusians are harshly persecuted for displaying inside the country. In addition to her official visit to the Czech Senate and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tsikhanouskaya also met with Belarusian activists residing in the Czech Republic who fled Lukashenka’s repression, as well as students and other members of the Belarusian diaspora.

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