Cichanoŭskaja calls for stronger sanctions against Belarus’ officials during London visit  

October 19, Pozirk. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja urged British Foreign Minister James Cleverly to increase pressure on Alaksandar Łukašenka and his officials during their October 18 meeting in London. 

She conveyed the transition cabinet’s proposals to close loopholes in the Western sanctions, her aide Franak Viačorka told Pozirk. The sides also discussed sanctions against the Belarusian National Olympic Committee and support for athletes who oppose the authorities.

Cichanoŭskaja asked the United Kingdom to assist in bringing Belarusian officials to justice via the International Criminal Court and using universal jurisdiction, noting their complicity in Russia’s war on Ukraine, deportation of Ukrainian children and human rights abuse in Belarus.

The politician also suggested appointing a British envoy for contacts with the Belarusian opposition, Viačorka said.

At her meeting with Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, a senior diplomat in charge of human rights, Cichanoŭskaja discussed support for Belarusian human rights defenders and ordinary Belarusians facing politically-motivated persecution.

The politician visited the UK on October 16-18. She delivered a keynote speech in the British Parliament on the strategic priorities of the opposition and the international community with regard to Belarus.