Belarusian opposition leader appeals to Poland to impose sanctions on Belarus

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for sanctions to be imposed on the regime of Alexander Lukashenka and for further support for peaceful democratic activities in Poland's eastern neighbor. In a special speech addressed to Polish leaders of the world of politics and business during the 10th LSE SU Polish Economic Forum in Warsaw, Tsikhanouskaya referred to the tradition of Solidarity in the fight for peaceful political changes.

"We call on our Polish friends to support our peaceful struggle for freedom. You can help us through words of support on social media, asking government officials for sanctions against the Lukashenka regime, helping human rights defenders, victims of repression, journalists, workers on strike, welcoming runaway students and staff," Tsikhanouskaya said.

Last month, Belarus expelled Polish diplomats. Activists of the Union of Poles in Belarus were also arrested, accused by the Belarusian prosecutor's office of inciting hatred and rehabilitating Nazism.

The former opposition candidate for president of Belarus also called on Lukashenka's government to stop using violence against protesters, release political prisoners and organize free and fair elections. She accused the regime of mistreating detainees and using torture against political prisoners.

"We already know about 32,000 detainees and 322 prisoners for political reasons. We know documented cases of torture and ill-treatment," Tsikhanouskaya added.

Protests in Belarus broke out after the results of the presidential elections in August 2020 were announced. According to the opposition, the elections were rigged by President Lukashenka, who has been in office since 1994.

(WBJ)