Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is taking part today in the GLOBSEC forum in Prague. It is one of the key platforms in the field of security.
She spoke at the panel “Protecting Democracy Defenders on the Frontline”, dedicated to transnational repression and the protection of activists, journalists and diaspora communities.
According to her, the problem of transnational repression is growing. It is not limited to a single country. This represents a new challenge for international security.
“Dictatorships are evolving, and they are learning from one another. They exchange technologies, methods, surveillance tools and intimidation tactics. They cooperate globally against democracies.”, she said.
Tsikhanouskaya stressed that Belarusians remain under pressure even in exile. She noted that even with international protection and refugee status, people are not safe.
“The regime can threaten your family. Cancel your passport. Monitor you. Hack your phone. Open criminal cases against you. Use Interpol against you. Spread propaganda about you. And even physically attack you abroad.”, she said.
“First, democratic countries must recognise transnational persecution as a serious security threat.
Second, we need better protection for journalists, activists, political refugees and diaspora communities.
Third, we need faster legalisation and documentation procedures for people fleeing authoritarian regimes.
Fourth, there must be consequences for those responsible: sanctions, criminal investigations, visa bans and accountability.
Fifth, we must deprive dictatorships of access to international mechanisms such as Interpol.
And finally, democracies must cooperate more closely because dictatorships already do.”, she concluded.
