October 8, Pozirk. Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis described Vilnius’s decision to downgrade security for Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja as a betrayal in an article that he posted on his website.
The politician responded to recent reports on the transfer of responsibility for Cichanoŭskaja security from the Security Service to the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau, which typically handles witness protection. The change reportedly took effect on October 1, with a transition period until November.
The exiled Belarusian opposition leader “has been a symbol of the fight against tyranny and against the enormous odds that are stacked against democracies,” Landsbergis said, stressing that the move undermined Lithuanian achievements and hard-earned reputation in defending freedom.
“I am dismayed to realise that Lithuania can no longer be considered a trustworthy partner for people looking for shelter from tyranny,” he noted.
Lithuanian authorities did not comment on the decision in order not to compromise the security of the protected person.
Cichanoŭskaja’s office said it had been given a very short notice of the new security arrangements and had been forced to suspend operations to make necessary adjustments.
The team discussed the issue with Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, who reportedly reaffirmed Lithuania’s unchanged position towards Alaksandar Łukašenka’s regime and assured that Cichanoŭskaja remains an official guest of the Lithuanian government.
