Belarusian opposition in exile, divided over tactics against Lukashenko's regime

2023-08-10 22:54:49, Kosova & Bota CNA

Belarusian opposition in exile, divided over tactics against Lukashenko's

Three years after mass demonstrations against the rigging of the presidential election in Belarus and the bloody police crackdown that followed, the Belarusian opposition continues to be diverse in both composition and political views. About 100,000 Belarusians are estimated to have left the country since 2020.

Thousands of Belarusians fled their country after violent government repression. Many of them face long prison terms if they return home. The Belarusian opposition has different views on the tactics it should pursue, but is united against Alexander Lukashenko's rule.

They say Lukashenko's close alliance with Russia calls into question Belarus' sovereignty.

33-year-old Pavel Maryeuski was a committed activist for peaceful politics before he was forced to leave his homeland as a result of government repression.

Last year, when Russia attacked Ukraine, he joined the unit of Belarusian volunteers fighting in support of Ukraine.

"In the foreground is the protection of lives in Ukraine. Second, Belarus benefits if Russia loses the war. An internal struggle for power or survival would begin in Russia. Who takes power after losing the war", says the head of the Belarusian veterans' association, Pavel Maryeuski.

Stanislava Glinnik is active with civil society groups. Her grandfather was the first leader of Belarus after the breakup of the Soviet Union, until he lost the election to Lukashenko in 1994.

"The last time I was in Minsk was during the protests of October 2020. I came to Poland after I was injured during the protest. The government has accused me of creating an extremist organization. I heard from my friends, who are accused in the same case, that I face nine years in prison if I return to Belarus."

Activists help Belarusians escape abroad, hackers develop applications that enable secure communication within Belarus, and other groups track the location of troops in the country.

Meanwhile, a growing number of activists, many with combat experience in Ukraine, say it's time to train for a real fight.

Sergey Kedyshko leads a group of about 200 Belarusian volunteers conducting combat training in Poland and Lithuania.

"In February 2023, we announced the creation of an independent organization, ready to cooperate with anyone who aims to liberate Belarus."

As Wagner's mercenary group launched a brief rebellion inside Russia, exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhnaouskaya spoke out on social media about the need for a unified operational headquarters to coordinate activities.

"Perhaps a good part of them will realize that they have no future with Lukashenko and that he is selling the sovereignty of Belarus," says the Belarusian opposition leader in exile, Sviatlana Tsikhnaouskaya.

President Lukashenko helped end the unrest between the Kremlin and Wagner by offering mercenaries shelter in Belarus. The opposition says that the placement of contract killers in Belarus is not a good thing for the future of the country and the surrounding countries./ VOA