Andrei Sannikov: Urgent Action Essential To Rescue Belarusians

Only pressure on Lukashenka will help release political prisoners.

Canada hosted a screening of the documentary "This Kind Of Hope", starring Andrei Sannikov, the European Belarus Civil Campaign leader.

Charter97.org asked the opposition politician about his trip:

— You were in Canada at a very interesting time — the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the conflict between Ottawa and Donald Trump. Was it possible to draw attention to Belarus in such a dense information agenda?

— The political crisis, of course, changed our plans slightly, but the trip was eventful. It was organized by a well-known Canadian activist, film director Marcus Kolga and the Belarusian Community in Canada ("Zhurtavanne Belarusau u Kanadze"). The documentary, with the permission of the producers, was shown in three cities — Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. The first show was at the University of Toronto, it was organized by one of the professors — Lucan Wai, who was an observer at the 'elections' in 2006 and 2010. He is well informed about the situation in Belarus and knows the situation in the country.

I would note two levels of my trip — the screening of the film and a meeting with compatriots in Canada. Both of these levels were extremely interesting and useful.

— Who did you meet?

— Due to the crisis, some meetings were canceled, postponed, but I met with the Chair of the Parliamentary International Commission, MPs, other political figures, leaders of public organizations and journalists. I participated in several interviews, including one with national television, set to air closer to January 26. There were discussions after the film, meetings with Belarusians, representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora, the Baltic diasporas. Both Ukraine and Belarus were at the center of the discussion. It is clear that the situation in Belarus affects Ukraine, and Russia's war against Ukraine affects our country. We discussed in detail at all these meetings what can be expected and what can be done.

After Toronto, there was a show in Ottawa — in Cafe Ukraine, which is the center of the Ukrainian diaspora and the diasporas of all Eastern European nations. A very active platform, where many events take place. During the discussion after the movie, there were many questions about the region, Europe, and the new administration in the United States. Representatives of Canadian and Ukrainian NGOs, Belarusians from the Belarusian Community in Canada attended.

— Are Canadians interested in what is happening on the European continent?

— Canadians have large diasporas. Ukrainian and Polish dominate. Of course, they are interested in what is happening in our region. Canada at one time imposed the toughest sanctions against the Belarusian regime, coordinating them with the EU and the United States. This was discussed with Canadian politicians.

We said that urgent measures should be taken in connection with the terrible situation of Belarusian political prisoners. It is necessary to save people who are killed, and this requires pressure on the Lukashenka regime, otherwise they will stay behind bars. What is happening now is a cynical game where several people are freed and more hostages are taken.

Canadian politicians are well informed about the situation and, I think, will adopt a tough resolution in connection with January 26. To be honest, I did not even use the word 'elections', but talked about the fact that this day is an occasion to talk about what is happening with political prisoners, the conditions of their detention and society in Belarus.

— Canada has one of the oldest Belarusian diasporas. How is the situation in Belarus seen from across the ocean?

— The best impression is just from our compatriots. There were not so many new immigrants at the meetings as those who had been living there for a long time assimilated, but the diaspora has a huge interest in preserving the language and culture, the history of Belarus. The Belarusians in Canada made a very good impression. I've been to Toronto and Ottawa before, and now I've visited Montreal. They are deeply committed to preserving the culture and history and actively support the cause of Belarus's liberation.

The conversations were serious, and the questions were interesting. Unfortunately, there is still a naive trust in the adventures that come from Tsikhanouskaia, for example, to the 'passport' idea, which terribly harms people, because they hope that they will be able to restore the document of belonging to the citizenship of Belarus, which is absolutely impossible within the framework of these fraudulent scenarios. But even this indicates that people do not want to break away from their homeland and are ready to help in any way.

— How does the diaspora view the situation in the country: with optimism or pessimism?

— They have a sober view. There is an understanding that now are hard times, the war, but it is even harder for Ukrainians. It is necessary to support Ukraine, and despite the dark times, the goal of the liberation of Belarus, the return of our country to a democratic and free Europe remains. There is a sober understanding that the lies that come from the Lukashenka regime cannot be perceived, and it is not perceived. I saw that the diaspora is actively engaged in conveying its point of view to politicians and MPs, the work of the Belarusians in Canada is well organized and managed. It was nice that children were present at the meetings. Children do not forget either the language or the country, although some of them were born in Canada. I would like to emphasize once again that I had the warmest meetings with my compatriots.

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