Dictatorships fall quickly, says Cichanoŭskaja in her video message on election anniversary

August 9, Pozirk. Dictatorships fall quickly and unexpectedly and people need to be prepared, opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja said in a video address marking the fourth anniversary of Belarus’ disputed presidential election.

“That is why it is so important to support Ukraine, because it is fighting not only for its freedom, but also for our freedom, for the values ​​that we all stand for.”

“I believe that change in Belarus can lead to change in Russia, and that will be a huge blow to tyrannies around the world. Support for Belarus and Ukraine is not charity. It is an investment in peace, democracy and international security,” Cichanoŭskaja stressed.

Former presidential hopeful Cichanoŭskaja disputed the Belarusian central election commission’s official result, accusing her rival Alaksandar Łukašenka of vote rigging.

The election was followed by months of peaceful protests, but the government cracked down on demonstrators, who demanded a new, free and transparent poll and freedom for opposition leaders. Thousands were jailed, beaten and tortured and several demonstrators were killed by security forces.

Also read: US embassy condemns Belarus regime on presidential election anniversary