Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is a Belarusian human rights activist and politician who gained international attention during the 2020 Belarusian presidential election. Prior to her involvement in politics, she worked as an English teacher and translator. Tsikhanouskaya’s husband, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, was an opposition blogger and vlogger who had announced his intention to run for president. However, he was arrested and prevented from running, leading Sviatlana to step in as a candidate in his place.
Tsikhanouskaya’s campaign focused on bringing democratic change to Belarus and challenging the long-standing authoritarian rule of President Alexander Lukashenko. She attracted large crowds to her rallies and gained widespread support among Belarusians who were dissatisfied with Lukashenko’s government. During the election, Tsikhanouskaya’s campaign faced numerous challenges, including harassment, intimidation, and threats. Despite these obstacles, she remained committed to her cause and called for peaceful protests to demand a fair election.
After the election, Tsikhanouskaya claimed victory and called for an end to the government’s crackdown on protesters. However, the government responded with a violent crackdown, leading to the arrest of thousands of opposition figures and protesters. Tsikhanouskaya was forced to flee to Lithuania for her safety, where she continued to advocate for democracy and human rights in Belarus. She has become an important figure in the Belarusian opposition movement, working to promote free and fair elections, the release of political prisoners, and an end to government repression. Tsikhanouskaya has gained international recognition for her efforts, including being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. She has also been recognized by various governments and institutions for her advocacy work, including the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize and now the Tipperary International Peace Prize.
Overall, Tsikhanouskaya’s campaign and subsequent activism have been instrumental in bringing attention to the situation in Belarus and advocating for democratic change in the country. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has remained committed to her cause and continues to work towards a brighter future for Belarus.
