DALLAS—Today, President George W. Bush welcomed exiled Belarusian democracy leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to the George W. Bush Institute to discuss her fight for freedom and democracy in Belarus – a country suffering under the brutal dictatorship of Aleksandr Lukashenka.
“What’s happening in Belarus matters to us here at home,” President Bush said. “When dictators like Lukashenka oppress their people abroad, it makes our world and our nation less safe. Brave leaders like Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya who champion democracy no matter the consequences are essential to our future peace and prosperity.”
A photo from the gathering is linked here.
In 2020, Tsikhanouskaya replaced her husband Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a current political prisoner, as Belarus’ democratic opposition candidate for the presidency. Most international observers believe that she won the contest and that Lukashenka stole the election. Tsikhanouskaya leads the democratic government in exile and was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison by the Lukashenka regime.
For more information about the Bush Institute’s efforts to support those struggling for freedom around the world, visit https://www.bushcenter.org/series/the-struggle-for-freedom.
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About the George W. Bush Institute
The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at bushcenter.org.
