Today I met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus.
Ms Tsikhanouskaya is an advocate for a free and democratic Belarus. Her decision to run in the 2020 presidential election in Belarus after the politically motivated imprisonment of her husband Serhei reflects her determination to support the Belarusian people's aspirations for a free and democratic future.
The 2020 elections, and those held in Belarus since, have been marked by a concerning lack of transparency.
Ms Tsikhanouskaya's visit is an important reminder to Australians of the situation in Belarus under the Lukashenko regime. Reports that thousands of individuals in Belarus have been unjustly detained, subjected to torture, or forced into exile are alarming.
The Lukashenko regime's support for Russia's illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine undermines security in Europe. The Australian Government has taken strong action in response, including sanctions on Lukashenko and others supporting Russia's war.
The Government reiterates its call on the Lukashenko regime to fully adhere to its obligations under international law and to cease support for Russia's destabilising actions.
I commend Ms Tsikhanouskaya's bravery and her fight for universal values of democracy and human rights.
