Tikhanovskaya's Advisor: After changes in security level, pressure on the Office from the regime intensified
After Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's security was taken over by the police instead of the Lithuanian Special Protection Service, pressure from the Minsk regime on the democratic Belarusian community has significantly increased. This was stated by Tikhanovskaya's diplomatic advisor Dzianis Kuchynski, as reported by Delfi.lt.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. Photo: Jakub Porzycki NurPhoto via Getty Images
According to Kuchynski, since the announcement of changes in the security system, an increase in threats has been observed: KGB officers contact representatives of the office almost daily, intimidate their relatives in Belarus, and carry out cyberattacks. Threats are received by Svetlana Tikhanovskaya herself, as well as by members of her team.
In addition, Alexander Lukashenka's propaganda is using this situation to further pressure the entire democratic environment.
Kuchynski emphasized that the Office is not trying to speculate on the internal reasons for the Lithuanian authorities' decision. He noted that the team respects any decision, as they are guests in Lithuania, and expressed gratitude for the support the country has provided all these years. Regardless of the circumstances, the opposition, he said, will continue its struggle against the Lukashenka regime.
Earlier, Ignas Dabrovolskas, advisor to Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, stated that the change in security format was made considering the assessment of threat levels and that police protection is now sufficient. However, Kuchynski disagreed, emphasizing that the threat has not diminished.
He pointed out that security is not only physical protection but also a general sense of safety. According to him, even the head of the State Security Department publicly confirmed that the threat level remains high, and the entire power apparatus of the Lukashenka regime is working against democratic forces.
Kuchynski also recalled that Lukashenka recently publicly urged Lithuania to stop supporting what he calls "an alternative government in Vilnius," and again mentioned Tikhanovskaya, stating that he must not allow her to "win again." Under such circumstances, the advisor stressed, it is not appropriate to talk about a sense of security, so the Office hopes for the support of Lithuania and other allies.
When asked about the possible relocation of the Office from Lithuania, Kuchynski did not answer, but noted that additional security measures are currently being considered. For now, the office in Vilnius continues to operate as usual, and the main priority remains the security of Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and her entire team.
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