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“Sviatlan Cichanouskaya has not been prosecuted by law enforcement in the Russian Federation,” the ministry told Interfax.
On Wednesday, it was reported that, according to a document from the Russian Interior Ministry, S. Cichanouskaya was “wanted under an article of the Penal Code”, without specifying what she was specifically accused of.
However, the Interior Ministry explained on Thursday that the 38-year-old Belarusian politician was formally included in the database of wanted persons in Russia in compliance with the cooperation agreement in the field of law enforcement signed by Minsk and Moscow. .
Cichanouskaya became involved in political struggles after her husband Siarhei, a popular blogger, was banned from registering for the presidential elections and arrested for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government.
After the August 9 elections, which were officially crushed by autocratic President Lukashenko, Cichanouskaya declared victory and accused Minsk of falsifying the results. However, under pressure from the authorities, he soon left for Lithuania. As explained by her trustee, Volha Kavalkova, the Belarusian authorities removed Ms. Cichanouskaya from the country, leaving her with no other choice.
Several EU countries recognize Cichanouskaya as the leader of the Belarusian opposition. She was received by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
In Belarus, massive campaigns against the government have been carried out since August.
On Wednesday, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius was surprised by Russia’s decision to add Belarusian opposition leader S. Cichanouskaya to the wanted list and said it is necessary to monitor whether Moscow will not try to stop her through international channels.
“It just came to our attention then. Who needs to do that?” – The Lithuanian head of diplomacy told BNS on Wednesday.
He added that in doing so, Russia continues to try to engage the Coordinating Council.
“Here is a continuation of all the undermining and commitment of the Coordinating Council. Here is another aspect, not recognizing that it can be a partner in the dialogue (…) This is disappointing, because the Coordinating Council is moderate, not radical, not anti-Russian, ”said L. Linkevičius.
According to the minister, with this decision Russia clearly demonstrates that if S. Cichanouskaja goes to Belarus or Russia, she would be immediately arrested.
L. Linkevičius also warns that Moscow may try to arrest S. Cichanouskaja through international channels.
“It is very clear that he will be detained not only when he travels to Belarus, but also to Russia, and perhaps Russia will try to do it as it pleases, and through Interpol channels,” Linkevičius said.
“It is necessary to prevent this situation, because there should be no politicized registries. This must be monitored to ensure that it does not happen. He doesn’t travel that often, but he still travels, “he added.
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