Opposition leader to discuss Russia’s takeover of Belarus during Italy visit

July 5, BPN. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja will discuss politically-motivated persecution of Belarusians and Russia’s takeover of Belarus during her official visit to Italy, her aide Franak Viačorka told BPN.

The politician is visiting Italy from July 5 to 7 at the invitation of the Italian parliament, prime minister and foreign minister, he added.

Cichanoŭskaja will speak about the Belarusian regime’s crimes against humanity and forced deportations of Ukrainian children at a parliamentary hearing on Belarus, Viačorka noted.

The politician will ask Italy to support an investigation into the Alaksandr Łukašenka regime’s crimes and punish its complicity in Russia’s war on Ukraine as well as deployment of Russian troops and mercenaries in Belarus, her aide added. She will also push for new sanctions against Russia for attempting to absorb Belarus, he said.

The opposition leader will also meet leaders of major Italian political parties and the Belarusian diaspora.

Cichanoŭskaja is visiting Italy for the second time, yet this visit would be her first official one and “is especially important on the eve of the NATO summit” where Belarus will be discussed among other issues, Viačorka noted.