Cichanoŭskaja wishes unification for families separated by regime

April 9, BPN. Roman Catholics, Greek Catholics and Protestants celebrate the most ancient and important Christian festival, Easter, also called Resurrection Sunday.

Easter is usually perceived as a day when people meet their families at home, Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja said in a congratulatory Telegram post on April 9.

“I am very happy for those who will spend today with their dear ones,” she said. “Because many Belarusians are separated from their homes and their families. I am one of them,” she added.

She went on to say that she spends her third Easter without her husband, Siarhiej Cichanoŭski, whose long prison sentence is widely believed to be politically motivated.

“Many, too many families have been separated by the regime,” she said.

“I would like to hug and support everyone who cannot be with their dear ones,” Cichanoŭskaja said. “I would like to hug everyone who was forced to flee Belarus. Remember, we will certainly see our loved ones again. That day is coming.”

In her opinion, Easter must unite families like the year 2020, when “Belarusians became one big family” (a reference to peaceful post-election rallies of protest).

Human rights groups say Belarus has at least 1,487 political prisoners.