Belarus opposition leader flees to Lithuania

Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanouskaya said Tuesday that she fled the country following reports of violent responses from security forces and mass detentions amid protests over the results of the weekend presidential election. 

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius confirmed on Twitter that Tikhanouskaya is in Lithuania and “is safe.” 

Tikhanouskaya, a former English teacher, rose from obscurity to prominence in the presidential race after taking over as a candidate for her husband, who was jailed ahead of the election. 

She discussed her decision to flee in a video posted to YouTube. 

“I thought that this campaign had really steeled me and given me so much strength that I could cope with anything. But I guess I’m still the same weak woman that I was,” she said, according to a translation of the video reported by the BBC. 

She said the decision was difficult, and was made “completely independently” and was not influenced by those around her. 

“I know that many will understand me, many will condemn me, many will hate me. But I wouldn’t wish this choice on anyone. So please look after yourselves, not one life is worth what is happening now. Children are the most important thing in our lives,” she added. 

Protests erupted in Belarus on Sunday after exit polls showed longtime President Alexander Lukashenko was set to win reelection. At least one person died as police clashed with protesters on Monday, Reuters reported. 

The opposition has accused Lukashenko of rigging the vote, the news service noted.

The election has also been criticized by Western leaders including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who on Monday said the elections were “not free and fair” and urged the Belarusian government to respect the rights of peaceful protesters. 

Along with the Trump administration, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle expressed concern over the election in Belarus and reports of violent force and mass detention of peaceful protesters.