Фото: Офис Тихановской
Fear is the greatest gift to dictators, while civic courage is their greatest threat. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya made the statement at the opening of Forum 2000 on Sunday. She called for unity across the democratic world in the face of shared threats.
“I know how difficult it is to maintain hope when there is so much bad news around us. But dictators want us to feel powerless. Let us not give them that satisfaction. Europe is strong because of its values. Never abandon them. And never underestimate your own strength. Do not believe Putin. Do not believe Lukashenka. And do not be afraid of them. Stay united. Stay confident. Do not lose your optimism. Because the greatest gift we can give dictators is our fear. And the greatest threat to them is our courage,” Tsikhanouskaya’s Office quoted her as saying.
In her speech, Tsikhanouskaya emphasised the power of solidarity, the importance of Ukraine’s victory, and the need to support political prisoners and everyone resisting dictatorships.
Forum 2000 was founded in 1996 by Czech President Václav Havel, Japanese philanthropist Yohei Sasakawa and Nobel Prize laureate Elie Wiesel. It continues Havel’s legacy by supporting democracy, human rights and civil society, while providing a platform for exchanging experience and building cooperation. This year, the forum marks its 30th anniversary.
Participants at this year’s forum include the leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces, as well as representatives of democratic movements in Nicaragua, Tibet, Myanmar and Turkey. The event was also attended by Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil.