October 10, Pozirk. Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja’s office in Vilnius is still waiting for details of security arrangements from Lithuanian authorities, its staff member Dzianis Kučynski has told Pozirk.
The comment comes after Lithuanian officials announced a decision to downgrade security for Cichanoŭskaja in a move that drew an immediate backlash, including from former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.
The office released a video address yesterday, in which Cichanoŭskaja said that the office continues operation for the common goals of securing the release of political prisoners, advancing Belarusians’ interests and attracting international attention to Belarus’ problems.
Vilnius reportedly transferred responsibility for Cichanoŭskaja security from the Security Service to the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau, which typically handles witness protection. The change took effect on October 1, with a transition period until November.
“I am dismayed to realise that Lithuania can no longer be considered a trustworthy partner for people looking for shelter from tyranny,” said former Foreign Minister Landsbergis.
Lithuanian authorities have not commented on arrangements in order not to compromise the security of the protected person, but Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė told journalists on October 8 that security was modified based on the level of threats, stressing that Vilnius will continue to protect the Belarusian pro-democracy leader.
Cichanoŭskaja’s office said it had been given a very short notice of the new security arrangements and had been forced to suspend operations to make necessary adjustments.
The team discussed the issue with Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, who reportedly reaffirmed Lithuania’s unchanged position towards Alaksandar Łukašenka’s regime and assured that Cichanoŭskaja remains an official guest of the Lithuanian government.
