{"id":159101,"date":"2025-10-08T13:08:51","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T10:08:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/159101\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T20:10:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T20:10:49","slug":"former-lithuanias-top-diplomat-says-his-country-betraying-cichanouskaja","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/159101\/","title":{"rendered":"Former Lithuania\u2019s top diplomat says his country betraying Cichano\u016dskaja\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n\n Cichano\u016dskaja and Landsbergis at a ceremony in 2024\n <\/div>\n \n
\n (Cichano\u016dskaja's office)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

October 8, Pozirk<\/em>.<\/strong> Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis described Vilnius\u2019s decision to downgrade security for Belarusian opposition leader \u015aviat\u0142ana Cichano\u016dskaja as a betrayal in an article <\/a>that he posted on his website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The politician responded to recent reports on the transfer of responsibility for Cichano\u016dskaja security from the Security Service to the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau, which typically handles witness protection. The change reportedly took effect on October 1, with a transition period until November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exiled Belarusian opposition leader “has been a symbol of the fight against tyranny and against the enormous odds that are stacked against democracies,” Landsbergis said, stressing that the move undermined Lithuanian achievements and hard-earned reputation in defending freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I am dismayed to realise that Lithuania can no longer be considered a trustworthy partner for people looking for shelter from tyranny,” he noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lithuanian authorities did not comment on the decision in order not to compromise the security of the protected person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cichano\u016dskaja’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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The team discussed the issue with Foreign Minister K\u0119stutis Budrys, who reportedly reaffirmed Lithuania\u2019s unchanged position towards Alaksandar \u0141uka\u0161enka\u2019s regime and assured that Cichano\u016dskaja remains an official guest of the Lithuanian government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lithuania scaling back security for Cichano\u016dskaja \u2013 reports<\/h3>\n
October 7, Pozirk. Lithuania is downgrading the physical security detail for Belarusian opposition leader \u015aviat\u0142ana Cichano\u016dskaja, who lives with her family in Vilnius, LRT reported, citing Foreign Minister K\u0119stutis Budrys. After arriving in Lithuania five years ago, the politician was …<\/div>\n \n