    [House Hearing, 117 Congress]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

                      WOMEN LEADING THE WAY: THE DEMOCRATIC
                             MOVEMENT IN BELARUS

    =======================================================================

                                    HEARING

                                   BEFORE THE

           SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE, ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND CYBER

                                     OF THE

                          COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
                            HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                        ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

                                 FIRST SESSION

                                   __________

                                 March 17, 2021

                                   __________

                                Serial No. 117-9

                                   __________

            Printed for the use of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

    [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

           Available:  http://www.foreignaffairs.house.gov/, http://
                                docs.house.gov,
                           or http://www.govinfo.gov

                                   __________

                        U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
    45-701 PDF                 WASHINGTON : 2021

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

    GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York, Chairman

    BRAD SHERMAN, California              MICHAEL T. McCAUL, Texas, Ranking
    ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey                  Member
    GERALD E. CONNOLLY, Virginia	      CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey
    THEODORE E. DEUTCH, Florida	      STEVE CHABOT, Ohio
    KAREN BASS, California		      SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania
    WILLIAM KEATING, Massachusetts	      DARRELL ISSA, California
    DAVID CICILLINE, Rhode Island	      ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois
    AMI BERA, California		      LEE ZELDIN, New York
    JOAQUIN CASTRO, Texas	              ANN WAGNER, Missouri
    DINA TITUS, Nevada		      BRIAN MAST, Florida
    TED LIEU, California		      BRIAN FITZPATRICK, Pennsylvania
    SUSAN WILD, Pennsylvania	      KEN BUCK, Colorado
    DEAN PHILLIPS, Minnesota	      TIM BURCHETT, Tennessee
    ILHAN OMAR, Minnesota		      MARK GREEN, Tennessee
    COLIN ALLRED, Texas		      ANDY BARR, Kentucky
    ANDY LEVIN, Michigan		      GREG STEUBE, Florida
    ABIGAIL SPANBERGER, Virginia	      DAN MEUSER, Pennsylvania
    CHRISSY HOULAHAN, Pennsylvania	      AUGUST PFLUGER, Texas
    TOM MALINOWSKI, New Jersey	      PETER MEIJER, Michigan
    ANDY KIM, New Jersey	              NICOLE MALLIOTAKIS, New York
    SARA JACOBS, California		      RONNY JACKSON, Texas
    KATHY MANNING, North Carolina	      YOUNG KIM, California
    JIM COSTA, California		      MARIA ELVIRA SALAZAR, Florida
    JUAN VARGAS, California		      JOE WILSON, South Carolina
    VICENTE GONZALEZ, Texas		      RON WRIGHT, Texas
    BRAD SCHNEIDER, Illinois

                        Jason Steinbaum, Staff Director
                   Brendan Shields, Republican Staff Director

                                     ------

            Subcommittee on Europe, Energy,the Environment and Cyber

    WILLIAM R. KEATING, Massachusetts, Chairman

    SUSAN WILD, Pennsylvania             BRIAN FITZPATRICK,
    ABIGAIL SPANBERGER, Virginia             Pennsylvania,Ranking Member
    ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey		     ANN WAGNER, Missouri
    THEODORE DEUTCH, Florida	     ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois,
    DAVID CICILLINE, Rhode Island	     BRIAN MAST, Florida
    DINA TITUS, Nevada		     DAN MEUSER, Pennsylvania
    DEAN PHILLIPS, Minnesota	     AUGUST PFLUGER, Texas
    JIM COSTA, California		     NICOLE MALLIOTAKIS, New York
    VICENTE GONZALEZ, Texas		     PETER MEIJER, Michigan
    BRAD SCHNEIDER, Illinois

                          Leah Nodvin, Staff Director

                                C O N T E N T S

                                  ----------
                                                                       Page

                        PHOTOS SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD

    Photos submitted for the record from Mr. Smith...................     7

                                   WITNESSES

    Tsikhanouskaya, Sviatiana, Belarusian Human Rights Activist and
      Politician.....................................................    23

                              INFORMATION REFERRED

    Information referred to from Mr. Fitzpatrick.....................    33

                                    APPENDIX

    Hearing Notice...................................................    47
    Hearing Minutes..................................................    48
    Hearing Attendance...............................................    49

                RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD

    Responses to questions submitted for the record..................    50

           WOMEN LEADING THE WAY: THE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT IN BELARUS

                           Wednesday, March 17, 2021

                              House of Representatives,
                    Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the
                                 Environment and Cyber,
                          Committee on Foreign Affairs,
                                                        Washington, DC,

        The subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 9:32 a.m., via
    Webex, Hon. William R. Keating (chairman of the subcommittee)
    presiding.
        Mr. Keating [presiding]. The House Foreign Affairs
    subcommittee will come to order.
        And without objection, the chair is authorized to declare a
    recess of the committee at any point. And all members will have
    5 days to submit , extraneous material, and questions for the
    record, subject to the length limitations in the rules. To
    insert something into the record, please have your staff email
    to the previously mentioned address or contact full committee
    staff.
        Please keep your video function on at all times, even when
    you are not recognized by the chair. Members are responsible
    for muting and unmuting themselves. Please remember to mute
    yourself after you finish speaking.
        Consistent with House Resolution 965 and the accompanying
    regulations, staff will only mute members and witnesses, as
    appropriate, when they are not under recognition, to eliminate
    background noise.
        I see that we have a quorum present. I will now recognize
    myself for an opening statement.
        Pursuant to notice, we are holding a hearing today entitled
    ``Women Leading the Way: The Democratic Movement in Belarus''.
        I will begin my statement. In the days leading up to August
    2020 and the Presidential election that day in Belarus, one
    after another, the Presidential candidates who opposed
    Alexander Lukashenko were jailed or forced out of the country.
    The election then took place without international observers
    under the control of State-owned media and in an atmosphere of
    fear and intimidation.
        On the actual election day, Sviatiana Tsikhanouskaya
    stepped in for her husband, Siarhei Tikhanouski, a typical
    activist and blogger who was jailed just a few weeks before.
    During the election process, independent sources found that
    Sviatiana Tsikhanouskaya received more votes than the incumbent
    Lukashenko, and when the election results came in, it was clear
    to Belarusians and the international community at large that
    the election had taken place in fraudulent conditions and that
    Lukashenko could not claim victory. Yet, Lukashenko claimed
    himself to be President, underestimating the will of the
    Belarusian people and the strength of Sviatiana Tsikhanouskaya.
        After 26 years of dictatorial rule, the Belarusian people
    had had enough. They gathered in the streets en masse,
    peacefully demonstrated against the Lukashenko regime and for
    their right to a new, free, and fair election. They organized
    themselves through new means of technology, sharing information
    over applications like Telegram.
        And what is so striking for many of us in the U.S. was that
    they were led by a coalition of women who called for solidarity
    with Sviatiana Tsikhanouskaya. Unfortunately, these peaceful
    demonstrations were met with State-sponsored violence that was
    organized and mandated by the highest levels of government.
    Security forces began to beat and detain hundreds of peaceful
    demonstrators, crack down on independent journalists, and
    intimidate opposition leaders.
        The Lukashenko regime took Sviatiana Tsikhanouskaya into a
    government building, directly threatened her and her family,
    and thus, forced her into exile in Lithuania. Later, activists
    like Maria Kalesnikava were kidnapped and attempts were made to
    force them out of the country as well. And finally, journalists
    like Katsiaryna Andreyeva and Darya Chultsova were arrested and
    jailed for simply filming peaceful demonstrations.
        Authorities have arbitrarily detained and physically,
    sexually, and emotionally assaulted tens of thousands of
    peaceful protestors, journalists, and civil society members.
    Today, hundreds remain in detention, and many have recounted
    experiencing torture, sexual violence and rape, beatings, and
    other ill treatment. At least eight protestors have been
    killed.
        And today, the Belarusian people mark 221 days or
    resistance against brutal authoritarian oppression. It has been
    over 7 months in a fight to establish a rule of law and achieve
    a democratic future for their country.
        We in Congress must stand with the people of Belarus as
    they push for democracy. We must recognize the sacrifices made
    daily by peaceful protestors who take to the streets, knowing
    full well that they will face harassment, intimidation,
    unlawful detention, or worse. And we must salute the courage of
    the women of Belarus who in a highly patriarchal society have
    shown strength, determination, and leadership, standing at the
    center of organizations like Coordination Council, in an
    attempt to establish a dialog with the Lukashenko regime and
    initiate new, free, and fair elections.
        Our expert witness today knows all too well the challenges
    posed by autocratic regimes who benefit from corruption and
    whose close friends and allies only support repressive tactics.
        Yet, the continuous fight for democracy around the world is
    real and can take different forms. We have watched some
    countries, such as those in Central Europe, who have fallen
    into the trap that is democratic backsliding and illiberalism.
    We have watched as authoritarian States have used the pandemic
    to gather even greater control over their citizens, such as the
    recent arrest of almost 200 opposition leaders in Moscow. And
    we here in Washington have had to confront the fragile nature
    of our own democracy, as just months ago, violent, armed
    insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to halt
    the democratic process for a free and fair election.
        In times marked by challenges to democracy at home and
    abroad, one democracy must lend its hand to another. Helping
    democratic allies across borders and oceans can ensure that
    societies seeking to establish democratic, often in the face of
    anti-democratic threats, can prevail. A network of support, and
    the ability to communicate with that network, is a necessary
    component to democratic strength. That is why we, the
    transatlantic community and the U.S. Congress, must stand in
    unity and support the democratic movement in Belarus and all
    those who fight to establish or protect their democracy abroad.
        That is why last September I held a hearing before this
    subcommittee on the democratic awakening of governments. That
    hearing included firsthand accounts of images of violence
    inflicted upon the Belarusian people by security forces, with
    introduced resolutions condemning the human rights abuses by
    Lukashenko and praising the bravery of the Belarusian citizens.
    We have also passed the revised version of the Belarus
    Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act, authored by
    Representative Chris Smith, which expanded the robust set of
    sanctions and authorities related to Belarus at the President's
    disposal.
        Yet, while we have taken these steps forward, it is the
    peaceful protestors on the ground in Belarus and the Belarusian
    diaspora around the world from Vilnius to Cape Cod that
    continues to drive movements and democracy forward and to keep
    this fight for democracy in Belarus alive.
        With that being said, I am pleased to welcome the woman who
    has become the leader of the democratic movement in Belarus,
    Sviatiana Tsikhanouskaya, as our expert witness today. She did
    not plan to run for President. However, as she has said, she
    has shown up for her people because her people showed up for
    her. Her steadfast courage, dedication, and tenacity is
    remarkable, and I look forward to our discussion.
        I now turn to the ranking member for his remarks, Mr.
    Fitzpatrick.
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Good morning, and thank you, Chairman
    Keating.
        Today, we gather to recognize the bravery of our witness,
    Sviatiana Tsikhanouskaya, and her inspiring campaign to promote
    democratic aspirations in the people of Belarus. You and
    historic peaceful protestors have stand down overwhelming odds
    and lit a fire to a renewed democratic spirit in Belarus. And
    this movement is now shining a light on the authoritarian
    shadow that has covered the citizens of Belarus during
    Alexander Lukashenko's rule.
        I would also like to acknowledge the Coordination Council,
    its members, and all the Belarusian citizens engaging in the
    noble pursuit of a free and democratic society. And it is worth
    noting, as we recognize International Women's Month, that
    exceptionally brave and daring women are leading this
    democratic revolution in Belarus.
        Mrs. Sviatiana Tsikhanouskaya and thousands of women like
    her have proven to their country and the rest of the world that
    the future is in their able hands. These freedom fighters are
    not seeking unreasonable terms. They seek legal process. They
    seek freedom of expression and information, and they seek
    freedom from the harassment of an oppressive state. And they
    seek freedom to chart their own future.
        Following the August 9th election, the people of Belarus
    wanted their voices heard in response to the dictatorial
    actions of Lukashenko. In response to these citizens' peaceful
    protests, Lukashenko's security forces responded with excessive
    force, the use of chemical riot dispersion methods and
    measures, and detained citizens completely without cause.
    Plainclothes police officers have engaged in increasingly
    aggressive and brutal crackdowns of those who are peacefully
    protesting the election results and its resulting movement.
        International monitors estimate that more than 32,000
    Belarusians have been temporarily detained and imprisoned, and
    nearly 300 political prisoners remain behind bars as of this
    hearing this morning. According to a report by the European
    Parliament last year, at least 10 demonstrators have been
    killed by government forces or died while in custody under
    suspicious circumstances.
        The harrowing account of our witness describes the
    situation of jailed protestors that, quote, ``have been rounded
    up and housed like cattle in tiny, overcrowded jail cells
    without access to water, sanitization, or any normal sleeping
    positions,'' going on to say that, ``torture is now
    commonplace.''
        Lukashenko has smothered free speech in Belarus and
    manipulated the media to suppress the surge in his opposition
    and conceal the tactics of his oppression. Russian
    propagandists were flown in to work for State-run TV in
    Belarus. Meanwhile, independent journalists have faced
    intimidation and imprisonment. Local critics of the regime face
    trumped-up charges and are imprisoned for speaking truth to
    power.
        And as the illegitimate regime in Belarus continues to
    normalize a litany of human rights violations, the calls for
    Mr. Lukashenko to step down and recognize a new, free, and fair
    system of elections is gaining momentum worldwide. A group in
    my home State of Pennsylvania even organized a rally in
    Pittsburgh in a snow-covered day this year to raise awareness
    of the plight of their loved ones. And as such, the United
    States, in coordination with its European allies and partners,
    must be vigilant and robust in our support for Belarus and
    their civil society and those who are persecuted by the
    Lukashenko regime.
        In line with the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and
    Sovereignty Act of 2020, which I cosponsored, we must continue
    to demand the end of Lukashenko's violence and the release of
    all those wrongfully detained, and continue harsh sanctions for
    those complicit in these human rights violations. The
    illegitimate Lukashenko regime must, once and for all, step
    down and allow for free and fair elections to be held. The
    people of Belarus are demanding the right to chart their own
    future, and their voices deserve to be heard.
        I yield back.
        Mr. Keating. I would like to thank the ranking member.
        And without objection, I would like to recognize
    Representative Smith, who is the author of the Belarus
    Democracy Act, for a brief statement.
        Mr. Smith. Mr. Chairman, thank you so very much for
    inviting me to be and allowing to be part of your panel, and to
    Brian Fitzpatrick, as well as to you, for the great work that
    you gentlemen are doing and this subcommittee. Your resolution
    that is pending, I think, will, again, reiterate the
    bipartisan, bicameral support of Congress behind Tsikhanouskaya
    and the rest of the human rights activists and defenders in
    Belarus.
        The leadership that you have shown and that the people of
    Belarus have shown, despite incredible odds, despite the fact
    that the bullies are out there beating, arresting, torturing,
    and even killing the best and the bravest and the brightest of
    Belarus.
        The picture, Mr. Chairman, that you have painted, as well
    as the ranking member, is both bleak and hopeful--bleak because
    Lukashenko is still in charge, but hopeful because the people
    of Belarus have you to champion their dreams, and that goes for
    this leadership led by women who are in exile, some of whom are
    in exile; others, sadly, are in prison.
        My work on Belarus goes back to really the 1990's. And in
    2004, I authored the Belarus Democracy Act, which really has
    become the template for Magnitsky holding men and women in the
    Lukashenko regime, both in terms of visa denial and making them
    unable to participate in any kind of economic relationship with
    the U.S. and U.S. banks. I did it again in 2006, 2011, and as
    you pointed out, the 2020 Act, which reiterates and expands and
    puts an emphasis on sovereignty, because we know that the
    Russians are eying Belarus in a way that is reminiscent of what
    they did with the Crimea and other parts of the Ukraine.
        Again, according to the representative of the OSCE, the
    Belarusian authorities have filed at least 141 politically
    motivated cases again women. Forty-nine are currently in
    detention or under house arrest. Another 75 are suspects in
    politically motivated criminal cases, and thousands of other
    women have fled Belarus in fear for their safety. Despite all
    of this, the image of Belarusian women in white has become
    iconic, representing the hopes of all Belarusians for a better
    future.
        Again, thank you for this timely hearing. And again, it
    gives us all an opportunity to say we are in solidarity with
    these incredibly brave women and men.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.
        Mr. Keating. Thank you, Representative Smith, and thank you
    for your longstanding work on this important issue.
        Mr. Smith. Thank you.
        Mr. Keating. I will now introduce our witness. Ms.
    Sviatiana Tsikhanouskaya is a central leader of the democratic
    movement in Belarus and a human rights activist who challenged
    Alexander Lukashenko at the 2020 Presidential election. This
    Belarusian election was fraught with widespread fraud and
    followed by unjustifiable violence.
        In the months following, Sviatiana Tsikhanouskaya has been
    a symbol leader of the Belarusian protests and has contributed
    greatly to promoting and organizing positive change in Belarus,
    both through her domestic and international engagement.
        The Europe Parliament recognized the fight of Belarusian
    people for democracy and freedom, led by Sviatiana
    Tsikhanouskaya, by awarding her, among other leaders, the
    prestigious annual Sakharov Prize. She has also received a
    series of international awards for her courageous struggle
    against the authoritarian regime of Lukashenko.
        I will now recognize, and State my pleasure at joining us,
    Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, for 5 minutes. And without objection, your
    prepared written statement will be made a part of the record.
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, you are now recognized for your opening
    statement.

    STATEMENT OF SVIATIANA TSIKHANOUSKAYA, BELARUSIAN HUMAN RIGHTS
                        ACTIVIST AND POLITICIAN

        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. Good morning, everyone.
        Chairman Keating, Ranking Member Fitzpatrick, Honorable
    Representative Smith, and distinguished members of the
    subcommittee, first of all, I would like to extend my Saint
    Patrick's Day greetings to all of you. Mr. Keating, as you may
    know from me, Ireland has had a very special place in my heart.
        Mr. Smith, thank you for being here with us today. We
    deeply appreciate your tremendous support for Belarus
    throughout decades, including all four Belarus democracy acts
    that you introduced and helped enact.
        Mr. Chairman, I would like to submit pictures for the
    record.
        Mr. Keating. Without objection, we can display those
    pictures as you begin your testimony.
        [The information referred to follows:]

        [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. Thank you.
        So, I am deeply grateful for the great honor of addressing
    you on behalf of the Belarusian people. I am here to give voice
    to the thousands of Belarusians who face injustice,
    intimidation, and brutality, and who still continue to protest
    daily.
        It has been more than 7 months since Belarus has begun the
    united peaceful protest movement, which was met with
    unprecedented violence from the authorities. Over 32,000 people
    have been detained. More than 2,500 criminal cases have been
    initiated. Over 1,000 cases of torture have been documented by
    human rights NGO's. And there are 290 political prisoners at
    the moment. At least eight protestors were killed.
        Not a single government official has been held accountable
    for the brutality, repression, torture, and murder. Amidst the
    injustice, the brave women of Belarus became a symbol of hope
    and resilience for our country.
        Seventy-three-year-old Nina Baginskaya has been protesting
    against the regime since the 1990's, despite the detentions by
    police and raids on her house.
        Miss Belarus 2008, Volha Khizhinkova, and basketball star
    Yelena Leuchanka spent 42 days and 15 days, respectively, in
    detention in unsanitary and humiliating conditions for
    peacefully protesting.
        Women wearing white dresses and carrying flowers formed the
    first human chains a shield for male protestors. Their desire
    to protect was stronger than their fear of being detained and
    tortured. Yet, they could not protect everyone.
        On 10th August, Alexander Taraikovsky fell, the first
    victim of police brutality. He was shot point-blank by a police
    squad in Minsk.
        Two female journalists, Darya Chultsova and Katsiaryna
    Andreyeva, were sentenced to 2 years in prison for doing their
    job, livestreaming a vigil for the peaceful protestor Raman
    Bandarenka, who was murdered by the regime cronies in his own
    backyard for protecting our national symbols.
        With those stories, it was straight that we are dealing
    with a human rights crisis of unprecedented proportions for
    Belarus that keeps worsening day by day. But the people still
    persist.
        Our workers united in strike committees. Our doctors and
    professors stood up for their colleagues who were fired for
    their political views. Our professional athletes raised
    awareness all over the world. Principled police officers and
    investigators resigned. Neighborhood communities have become
    the place for a grassroots movement.
        Yet, all of this is not enough. Lukashenko still has the
    resources to retain power. So, the United States should insist
    on stopping the violence, releasing the political prisoners,
    restoring the rule of law, and launching a genuine dialog
    between the legitimate representatives of Belarus and the
    regime.
        At the same time, it is not words, but actions that matter.
    We call on the U.S. to enforce sanctions against State-owned
    enterprises, the judiciary, and oligarchs. Sanctions are one of
    the most effective measures. We call on the U.S. to use its
    diplomacy to isolate Lukashenko by curbing international
    agreements and commerce between the Lukashenko regime and other
    countries. We call on the U.S. to help with international
    mediation through the OSCE.
        We call on the U.S. Congress to consider increasing the
    support for the pressing needs of Belarusians. People of
    Belarus require support, especially the civil society, the
    human rights defenders, the independent media, and the
    businesses. All of them have been repressed by the regime.
        As the European Union has drafted a comprehensive plan to
    support Belarus during the transition and after free and fair
    elections, we call on the U.S. Congress to join this work in
    order to start developing a joint Marshall Plan for Belarus.
        I am bound by the view of the majority of Belarusians to
    make this happen, and I call on the United States of America to
    join me on this mission. My nation is facing a humanitarian
    crisis. People are suffering and dying right now. Belarusians
    need you as never before.
        Thank you.
        [The prepared statement of Ms. Tsikhanouskaya follows:]

        [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

        Mr. Keating. Thank you very much for that very moving and
    very important testimony.
        I will now recognize members for 5 minutes each. And
    pursuant to House rules, all time yielded is for the purpose of
    questioning our witnesses.
        Because of the virtual format of the hearing, I will
    recognize members by committee seniority, alternating between
    Democrats and Republicans. And if you miss your turn, please
    our staff know and we will circle back to you. If you seek
    recognition, you must unmute your microphones and address the
    chair verbally.
        I would just ask, is Representative Sires still with us? I
    know he had to leave. I was going to yield my time to him.
    Evidently, he has had to leave. So, I will start by recognizing
    myself.
        The role of women in the movement for a democratic and free
    Belarus is really the theme of what we are talking about in
    terms of the democratic movement that is there. And this is
    unique in that respect, and it is effective and it is
    important. And it has really captured the attention of the
    world.
        And I would just like to ask you, what specifically you
    have seen as the role of women in spearheading this effort for
    free and democratic elections and a democracy in Belarus? What
    can you tell us in more detail about that specific role of
    women?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. Actually, the women played a huge role
    in this revolution. And first of all, the fact that three women
    led this pre-election campaign in spite of all other
    prohibitions for women to fight. We three women, we are put in
    this position instead of our men, and it was really the
    regime's mistake that they underestimated women of Belarus.
        Our ex-President always told that our constitution is not
    for women, that women will never be able to lead the country,
    but we managed because women, especially Belarusian women, are
    really strong. And when our women were put in such
    circumstances, when they had to show how strong they are, they
    showed the most bravery that the whole world was inspired of.
        And after 3 days of hell the regime made in Belarus after
    the election date, and thousands of men had been detained and
    tortured in jails, our women had to stand in front of our men,
    just hide the men behind them to protect them. So, our
    wonderful, peaceful women showed to the whole world that we are
    brave and we manage everything, only because we want a better
    future for our children, and we ready to defend not only our
    children, but our men as well.
        Mr. Keating. I think this effort has changed the dynamics,
    gender dynamics, in the country as well. It goes far beyond
    this movement itself.
        Now you recently released a liberation plan of yours. Can
    you highlight the most important aspects of that and how the
    U.S. can be useful in seeing that plan come to life?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. I think that the women of this
    revolution after the election, and before the election, we
    thought that we need new elections because the previous
    election was falsified, and just to step out of this political
    and humanitarian crisis in Belarus, we need new elections. But
    we need these new elections through peaceful dialog with the
    regime.
        But we see that the regime does not respond to our calls
    for negotiations. And that is why we are systematically,
    continuously putting pressure on the regime and his cronies.
    Inside the country, these are protesting movements,
    demonstratives, different initiatives. People are not giving
    up. And despite of this tremendous level of violence from the
    regime, people are continuing to fight.
        But, of course, we need international support as well. We
    need international pressure because democratic countries cannot
    close their eyes on what is going on in Belarus and they have
    to stand for the values of the democratic countries, for human
    rights, for dignity. And it is the institution in Belarus, it
    is a challenge not only for Belarusians, it is a challenge for
    European countries, for the USA, for Canada, just to prove that
    the values are not just words; that they want, that they have
    to stand for these.
        And we are a wonderful country, and we are on our own path
    for democracy. So, we call on you, stand with us in this
    difficult time and do your best for one more nation, proud
    nation, to become a democratic country.
        Mr. Keating. Well, thank you. And I also want to thank you
    for meeting with Ambassador Julie Fisher. I spoke with her just
    the other day, and we are looking forward to her being
    recognized, too, by Belarus.
        I now yield to our ranking member, Mr. Fitzpatrick, for his
    questions.
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I
    would like to begin by asking you, sir, to please enter into
    the record a letter from the Free Belarus Coalition for
    Bipartisan and Bicameral Support requesting $30 million for
    Fiscal Year 2022, funding to support Belarus' civil society and
    the organic democratic movement.
        Mr. Keating. Without objection, that will be, per our
    instructions in the beginning, put in the record. Thank you.
        [The information referred to follows:]

        [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        And this is aligned with the bipartisan 2020 Belarus
    Democracy Act, which calls for increased foreign assistance.
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, thank you so much for being here with
    us today. We greatly admire and respect your courage more than
    you know. You are a beacon of courage, not just for us on this
    committee, but for the Congress and for the world.
        So, ma'am, if you could just state for the record, in
    furtherance of this request for $30 million, how will the
    Belarus assistance be best served by those who are pro-civil
    society and are pro-democratic initiatives?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. So, first of all, I have to say that
    your help is very extremely essential in our case, but I have
    to admit that we need rapid help because people are suffering
    now in this very moment in jails and on the ground.
        And so, through those, democracy can progress, can
    increase, and appropriate more funding for two organizations
    working in Belarus. For example, just through traditional and
    emerging civil society, like traditional, we need to help to
    NGO's like defend activists now, to media and to activities,
    and to emerging civil society like Telegram channels, YouTube
    bloggers, athletes, doctors. And you also can increase budgets
    for Belarus of American organizations, such as USAID, for
    example.
        But, again, I have to repeat that this is urgent help. You
    know, just to keep civil society resistance, we need to have
    them now.
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Thank you, Sviatiana.
        And to all my colleagues on the committee, I urge strong
    bipartisan support for this funding request.
        Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
        Mr. Keating. I would like to thank the ranking member.
        And the chair now recognizes the vice chair of the
    committee, Ms. Spanberger.
        Ms. Spanberger. Thank you very much.
        And thank you for being with us here today, Ms.
    Tsikhanouskaya. You have demonstrated immense bravery and
    selflessness over the past year and a true commitment to the
    people and the future of Belarus. Thank you. And I know that
    those standing up for democratic principles and human rights
    around the world appreciate your tremendous work and,
    certainly, your willingness to be a witness here today.
        After your husband's candidacy for the election in August
    was denied, you took on the role and ran against Lukashenko.
    How has your own vision of your future and leadership evolved
    since August? And frankly, did you ever see yourself taking on
    such a prominent role?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. Thank you. You know, I became in this
    action and campaign a symbol of resistance, a symbol of unity.
    But, as a matter of fact, life put me in such circumstances
    that I had to take this responsibility and become a leader of
    this revolution. And I know that the Belarusian people know who
    they voted for, and I feel huge support from the Belarusian
    people.
        It is a rather difficult way. You know, I was put in
    difficult circumstances. I feel huge pressure from propaganda.
    And I know that all the Belarusian people are feeling
    tremendous pressure on the ground. But knowing that I am doing
    this for the future of the Belarusian people, for my children,
    for all those who are suffering in jails now, I have to find
    strength every day of this fight, and I am finding this
    strength in the Belarusian people. I know that they are
    fighting and that they are not giving up. So, I have no right
    to give up as well.
        It is difficult, but I am a woman, and a woman is
    everything.
        [Laughter.]
        Ms. Spanberger. Isn't that so true?
        Well, I am curious, then, how has your forced exile
    affected your ability to interact with the democratic movement
    back home in Belarus? And how has it impacted your ability to
    communicate and advocate, and certainly lead, this continued
    movement?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. You know, it was the usual regime's
    practice to make the people flee from the country for them to
    stop struggling. And the same happened to me. I was sent out of
    the country and I was supposed to stop, but I could not. I
    could not betray the Belarusian people.
        And, you know, the propaganda always say, ``Oh, she lost
    this connection with Belarus. She is an exile. She does not
    understand everything.'' But it is not true. And thanks to the
    internet, every day I have some conferences and some meetings
    with all the groups in Belarus. I have meetings with doctors,
    with students, workers, striking committees, neighborhoods.
    Every day I have to tell people, I have to look into their
    eyes, I have to inspire them, and they inspire me back. So, for
    sure, I am not losing this connection. I feel like I am there
    on the ground through this connection.
        But, of course, knowing that I will be jailed as soon as I
    pass the border, I am sure that here, even in exile, I can do
    much, much more for the Belarusian people, for the sake of my
    country. So, I have to stay here and struggle to bear that with
    the Belarusian people.
        Ms. Spanberger. Well, I want to thank you so much for
    bringing your answers to this committee, certainly your
    experiences. Thank you for your continued work on behalf of the
    Belarusian people and on behalf of democratic ideals and
    values. It is amazing to see leaders like you who are fighting
    for the rights of the people they should be representing and
    that they want to stand up for. So, thank you again for coming
    before this committee. Thank you for telling us, as a
    committee, what we could be doing to support. And I think you
    have heard so far that you have many American Members of
    Congress who are paying close attention to your ongoing
    struggles and the struggles of your people. So, thank you very
    much.
        And, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
        Mr. Keating. The chair thanks the vice chairman.
        It is my understanding that Representative Wagner has
    yielded her time to Representative Smith. So, the chair calls
    on Representative Smith for his questions.
        Mr. Smith. Thank you very much, and, Ann, thank you very
    much.
        Mr. Chairman, thank you again for this important hearing,
    so we can reassert, recalibrate, and do even more to help the
    democratic opposition in Belarus. And Sviatiana certainly
    epitomizes grace under pressure, courage under pressure, and we
    are all inspired, I think, beyond words to do more to assist.
        You, in your recent appeal to the United Nations, you and
    the United States, Sviatiana, asked that political prisoners
    and trying to support political prisoners, that we sanction
    prison chiefs, judges, prosecutors, prison guards. And I am
    wondering, is it your sense that we are doing enough to try to
    impose those sanctions? Obviously, getting the names of those
    individuals is extremely important, and the more we have that,
    the more we can try to hold them to account.
        You have also noted the gross mistreatment of the female
    prisoners, including threatening to take their children away,
    humiliation of all kinds, beatings, all kinds of assault,
    humiliation. If you could perhaps elaborate on some of that,
    because it is outrageous.
        I have met with Lukashenko twice. He is a bully. We all
    know that. I think he is an egomaniac. We all know that.
        But, for those who are behind bars, we have to got to find
    the most effective strategies to intervene, and to do it
    immediately. In this, bottom line, do you think we are all
    doing enough, the European Union, the United States, the U.N.?
    And be blunt. You know, everyone means well. We all mean well.
    This is totally bipartisan. And again, the chairman I think is
    doing a great job. His resolution will, again, give us an
    opportunity to speak out with one voice when that comes up on
    the floor of the House. Don't worry about being diplomatic. We
    have got to know, are we doing enough? Sviatiana?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. Yes, I am here. I have to say that I am
    really grateful for all the actions that Europe and America and
    Canada did, have done already, because you stand for us in the
    crucial moment of our revolution, just after the elections. No
    one country recognized Lukashenko as legitimate. Everybody told
    that the elections were fraudulent, Lukashenko is illegitimate.
    And just I ask you at the moment to be consistent in your
    vision.
        And I understand that you have done a lot and you imposed
    sanctions, individual sanctions. But, you know, what is going
    on in Belarus, it is my personal pain. And, of course, just to
    stop this level of violence, just to start negotiations, to
    start to develop, we need more pressure on the Lukashenko
    regime. And in this way, I suppose that sanctions are the most
    powerful leverage to make this regime to respond to our calls
    for dialog.
        And now, we need to widen this list of individual
    sanctions. These sanctions should be imposed on security forces
    offices, judges, educational and support officials who support
    the regime, who in this or that extent were involved in
    atrocities and humiliation and violence in Belarus.
        And also, Congress should also legislate to widen the
    sectorial sanctions, such as in the oil and gas and the potash
    fertilizers industries, just to strike at the regime's most
    important benefactors and prime resources of resilience.
        So, we have to put sanctions on those like bullies of
    Lukashenko that support the regime. And support the regime
    means supporting violence and torture in Belarus. So, I am sure
    that you can do more and more. Until this violence stops, we
    have to put greater pressure on the regime.
        Thank you.
        Mr. Smith. Thank you.
        Mr. Keating. Thank you, Representative.
        Mr. Smith. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Mr. Keating. The chair now recognizes Representative Wild.
        Ms. Wild. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Sorry for the delay in
    getting my mute off. I appreciate it. Sorry.
        Mr. Keating. Okay.
        Ms. Wild. Okay, I am ready to go. I am sorry about that.
        First of all, I just want to start by echoing comments made
    by my colleagues in recognizing your courageous efforts to
    build a democratic future in Belarus. Your leadership is
    inspiring.
        And my question is about the role of U.S. diplomacy. I
    would like to know what your thoughts are on the role that
    might be played by newly appointed Ambassador Julie Fisher in
    promoting democracy and supporting the democratic aspirations
    of the people of Belarus. And as she engages with a regime that
    does not have popular legitimacy, what message would you like
    our Ambassador to convey?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. Thank you. As a matter of fact, with
    Julie Fisher, we had a wonderful conversation, and I saw such a
    huge empathy for the Belarusian people from her. And I
    understood that she would be the greatest diplomat on the
    ground ever.
        And, of course, we welcome the presence of Julie Fisher on
    the ground for her to monitor the situation in Belarus. She can
    visit jails just to see conditions of keeping women and men in
    jails. They are unhuman, I have to say. She can visit trials,
    you know, to see that there is no law in Belarus. She can
    support civil society in different ways.
        But a very important moment, Julie Fisher has not given
    credentials to Lukashenko. He is not the legitimate President
    and he cannot be considered as a person whom credentials can be
    given to. So, I am sure it can be done, you know. I mean, she
    can stay there as a diplomat without doing this action.
        Ms. Wild. Thank you.
        And I have a little bit more time. So, I also wanted to ask
    you, you have called on the pro-democracy movement to hold
    demonstrations on March 25th, on Freedom Day, marking Belarus'
    declaration of independence in 1918. What I would like to know
    is, what can we, as Members of the U.S. Congress, and others
    who stand in solidarity with pro-democracy forces, do that
    might be helpful to put pressure on the regime ahead of that
    day or on that day?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. On the 25th of March, it is our
    independence day in Belarus, and people went out for
    demonstrations every year. And for sure, this year will not be
    an exclusion. And moreover, people demand this day will be the
    beginning of the new wave of demonstrations in Belarus, new
    wave of protesting movement.
        And people really have this in a demand to show them that
    we are here; we are people that have our rights to vote, to say
    everything. And, of course, people will go for the rallies, and
    people are continuing putting pressure by different
    initiatives.
        And just to support these people, the whole world has to
    show solidarity with them, to be vocal about them, to put these
    facts on the reader, that, look, there are some people who are
    fighting; they are still there, and we have to help them. Just
    put the repression of Belarus on the agenda. Be with us with
    any different ways. Talk about us in the social media, in the
    social networks. You know, put us on the agenda, and we will
    see this. Because international support is extremely important
    in our case. We have to know that the whole world is watching
    us, that we are not alone.
        Ms. Wild. Thank you so much. We will do our best to support
    you.
        I yield back, Mr. Chair.
        Mr. Keating. Thank you, Representative Wild.
        Representative Wagner is now recognized for 5 minutes.
        Mrs. Wagner. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for this very
    important hearing. I am proud to stand with the Belarusian
    democratic movement as it demands greater freedom and respect
    for fundamental rights from the authoritarian Lukashenko
    regime.
        I want to thank our witness, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, for her
    courage and tireless work for the people of Belarus.
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, you wrote last year that ``Access to
    information is the strongest weapon'' the opposition has. And I
    could not agree more. Truth is the potent threat to
    authoritarianism, and shedding light on the abuses perpetrated
    by the Lukashenko regime advances democracy and liberty for
    Belarusians. What more can the United States do to support
    independent media in Belarus and amplify voices that continue
    to exercise their rights to dissent and free speech?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. Thank you. Yes, you are so right, the
    media is really important in our case because
        [audio interference] in Belarus. You know that this regime
    has oppressed almost all the independent media in Belarus. They
    cannot work. The regime did not create international media.
    They did not allow international media to come to Belarus, just
    because he had a lot to hide. He had to hide his crimes,
    violence, and atrocities. And still, just for media to survive
    in Belarus, they really need great support.
        And first of all, you can, at the moment, you can support
    different YouTubers that are on the ground and out of the
    country, show us the real situation in Belarus. You have to
    call to free imprisoned journalists who just have been detained
    for doing their job. And you can support Telegram channels that
    also show the real picture, the crowds. And you can support
    Radio Free Europe on the ground. So, a lot can be done really,
    and thank you for what you are doing already.
        Mrs. Wagner. Thank you.
        In the coming months, how will opposition's Coordination
    Council work to sustain the pro-democracy movement in Belarus?
    How is the Lukashenko government obstructing the Council's
    mission, and how can the United States best pressure Lukashenko
    to end political persecution of Council members specifically?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. You know, the Coordination Council was
    created as they pled for negotiations, and they are building
    structures inside the country, different working groups that
    are working with students, with striking committees, with
    neighborhoods, and all this stuff. And this new form of social
    groups, pressure social groups, are extremely important. It is
    like a new building of democratic organizations. We have never
    had democracies within our country. It is like grassroots
    democracy.
        And every country can support this organization, these
    grassroots organizations, like teaching them how to build this
    democracy, how to be involved in this political competitions, I
    would say. And we have to start everything. We have to start
    everything from the beginning, and you can assist us in this.
        Mrs. Wagner. Thank you very much.
        I understand that the Kremlin sent Russian propagandists to
    work at Belarusian State TV in support of the Lukashenko
    regime. Are these propagandists still actively working in
    Belarus, and are their efforts to shape the information domain
    in Belarus in Lukashenko's favor, is it working?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. You know, after the
        [audio interference] violence after the elections, most of
    journalists were fired from State TV, but they very soon were
    replaced by Russian journalists. And Russian journalists did
    not feel the pain that the rest of the journalists felt. And,
    of course, they could use this propaganda very widely to show
    me in the bad way, I would say.
        But now, I know that the Russian journalists, they already
    went back to Russia, but, still, propaganda in Belarus is
    working very hard. They want to discredit me. They want to show
    that the opposition is splitting, but it is not; it isn't so.
    And they put much, they put a lot of efforts to show that the
    opposition like died. And every day we show to the whole world
    that we are still here, that we are fighting. So, we are
    fighting with the propaganda as well. They cannot do anything
    when the opposition is united.
        Thank you.
        Mrs. Wagner. Well, thank you. Thank you, Ms.
    Tsikhanouskaya. We are grateful for your courage.
        And I have expired my time. Gratefully, Mr. Chairman, I
    yield back.
        Mr. Keating. Thank you.
        The chair recognizes Representative Deutch for 5 minutes.
        Mr. Deutch. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I want
    to really extend a deep debt of gratitude to you for holding
    this hearing today. There are a lot of things that our
    committee does, and they are all important, but what we are
    doing today in this hearing, and the message that we are
    sending to Lukashenko, the message that we are sending to the
    people of Belarus, the message that we are sending to the
    Kremlin and to the world, that we are committed to helping to
    foster democracy, to standing on the side of those who want the
    ability to live in a democracy. That is as important as
    anything we will do.
        And, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, there is no one who has done more
    in Belarus to help accomplish than you. And I want to thank you
    for appearing before the committee. I want to thank you for
    your powerful testimony.
        We see in the work we do here the constant, relentless
    threat that authoritarianism poses to democracies and to
    democratic values. And Belarus and the United States may not be
    neighbors, but the struggle in Belarus today is a generational
    challenge that we cannot afford to look away from. We have to
    lead.
        And as my colleagues have made clear, the U.S. Congress
    stands with the people of Belarus and we support you as you
    work to withstand Russian aggression, create a freer, more
    democratic nation. So, the battle lines of the fight to protect
    democratic values and human rights transcends State boundaries
    and peoples. It is imperative that those who stand for
    democracy everywhere, including here in the United States,
    recognize one another as partners in this struggle.
        And not only am I an American invested in protecting my own
    country's democracy, I am also, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, the proud
    grandson of immigrants from two small towns in Belarus.
        And I thank you for your testimony today, and I thank you
    for your courage and for your determination.
        I want to ask you, we have spoken a lot, you have spoken
    powerfully about the pressure that Lukashenko must feel.
    Recently, Lukashenko talked about enacting constitutional
    reforms at a referendum next year and organizing new
    Presidential elections sometime thereafter. How do you
    interpret these actions, and what can we do to not fall prey to
    efforts to shield Lukashenko and others responsible for the
    jailings, the attacks on journalists and activists, from our
    actions now? What do we do here with this?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. You know, I have to say that when the
    regime is at risk, it starts to talk about a new constitution
    and referendum, and all this stuff. We aren't talking about new
    elections. We are talking about dialog between society sources
    and the regime. We need amending of the constitution, but it is
    not the question now. The question now is solving a political
    and humanitarian crisis in Belarus. And this amendment of the
    constitution expressed, that he is talking about, it should
    take place alongside with new elections or right after the
    elections. We have to show priorities in our revolution.
        So, as for journalists, again, I have to say that
    journalism is a very important factor in our revolution, and it
    is important to support them because they are lack of space,
    you know, in the country. They cannot earn the money just to
    show us this truth. So, this technical support to journalists
    is very important.
        So, have I missed----
        Mr. Deutch. No, I appreciate it. As I finish, I just want
    to thank you again for your courageous leadership.
        I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member, Mr.
    Smith and others who have been helping us focus the world's
    attention.
        And as you approach these Freedom Day protests, as you talk
    about the need for grassroots democracy, and even as 400
    activists have been sentenced to prison, including a 16-year-
    old suffering from epilepsy who was sentenced to 5 years in
    prison simply for participating in the protests, please know
    that it is not just this subcommittee and the House Foreign
    Affairs Committee, but that the U.S. Congress and the people of
    the United States stand with you and the people of Belarus in
    your rightful quest for democracy. And we are so honored by
    your presence today. Thank you very much.
        I yield back.
        Mr. Keating. Thank you, Mr. Deutch. Thank you for your
    strong remarks and incorporating your family background. That
    was very meaningful.
        Representative Titus is recognized for 5 minutes.
        Ms. Titus. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you for
    setting up this amazing meeting. I cannot imagine having a more
    inspiring witness than we have this morning.
        Thank you for your courage and for being here.
        I would just ask you if you would maybe elaborate on the
    plan that you call the liberation plan that you came out with
    in February. Talk a little bit about maybe your deadlines, what
    you see as part of that plan. Will you be working with any
    NGO's or organizations like NDI or IRI to help you with that?
        And is part of that plan dealing with COVID? I know that
    Lukashenko has just pretty much denied COVID and said, ``Go to
    a spa and drink vodka and you'll be Okay.'' But someone of your
    stature and your presence could have a lot of impact on
    addressing that issue as well.
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. You know, the COVID situation is
    rather, I would say, interesting in Belarus because, when the
    whole world was struggling with COVID, with the first wave of
    COVID, our regime told that there was no COVID in Belarus, and
    even if it is, so you can treat it with ``tractors and vodka''.
        And a moment when the regime did not take care of--there
    were some people in the spring. The Russians had to take care
    of themselves. They started to buy this usual mix for doctors
    and this special proven equipment. They collected money to buy
    this equipment for hospitals. So, at that moment, again, we had
    a proff that government does not take care about the Nation.
        And now, the situation is also very bad with COVID on the
    ground, but we know that real numbers are much higher than the
    government say. And one doctor who dared tell the real numbers
    was immediately fired from their hospital, just for telling the
    truth.
        And as for our plan, you know, there cannot be deadlines
    here. Of course, we want new elections to happen on September.
    For this, we have to start dialog this May. That is why people
    are beginning the second wave of the protesting movement in
    Belarus on the ground. That is why this is a very crucial
    moment for all the international society, for all the countries
    and leaders and organizations to put maximum pressure on the
    regime to make him answer our calls for dialog.
        So, we have, if we can say so, spring is the beginning of
    protests. Until May, we have to organize this data platform on
    the basis of overseeing and start to negotiate about new
    elections in September or October this year.
        Ms. Titus. Thank you very much.
        You have quite a task ahead of you. Are you working with
    any NGO's on the ground there? Are there any formal
    organizations? Or is it just kind of spontaneous protests?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. You know, it is very difficult for
    NGO's to survive in Belarus. They are pressed; they are under
    constant pressure. And we can say that we have like legal NGO's
    in Belarus and illegal. I cannot pronounce these words, but
    this is our reality. And we are just trying to help, and, you
    know, the international society is trying to help a different
    kind of NGO's on the ground, for them to transfer this help to
    people who are suffering, people who are in prison, people that
    are fighting. So, we have to like look for new forms of helping
    these NGO's. It is very difficult to work in the country where
    there is no law. You know, all the organizations that are
    helping people are under constant pressure of the regime
    because they don't want this organization to help.
        Ms. Titus. Yes, they don't even want it to exist.
        Well, thank you so much. And thank you for being here and
    for your courage. Just be careful there. Just be careful.
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. Thank you so much.
        Mr. Keating. Thank you, Representative Titus.
        Representative Schneider is recognized for 5 minutes.
        Mr. Schneider. Thank you, Chairman Keating. And as others
    have said, I cannot thank you enough for having this hearing.
        And, Mrs. Tsikhanouskaya, I cannot thank you enough for
    spending the time to share with us your story, but also cannot
    thank you enough for the inspiration you provide to your
    country, to the world, for democracy, for courage, bravery, and
    hope.
        I join with my colleagues on this panel who I believe are
    representative of the entire U.S. Congress, and by extension,
    to the entire American people, in standing in solidarity with
    you, with the heroic women leading the way, and with the entire
    Belarusian people, and the pro-democracy movement.
        Personally, my story has connections to Belarus. My
    maternal grandfather's family was from Brest-Litovsk in
    Belarus. They came here at the turn of the last century, but we
    can trace the roots back there.
        I take personally extraordinary inspiration from the
    bravery and the defiance, the resiliency, of the women of
    Belarus that we have talked about today and of the Belarus
    people as a whole.
        I have three questions we can touch on, try to get into
    specifics. I will lay them out, and then, you can address them
    any way you want.
        But, first, what can Congress do to best support you and
    the pro-democracy movement, to support your resolve, the
    resilience, to stand strong throughout this crisis, until we
    get to the end we all hope for?
        Toward that end, in more detail, what pressure can we apply
    to the regime? You mentioned sector-specific sanctions. What
    specific sectors do you have in mind and are there specific
    entrepreneurs we should be focused on?
        And finally, what can Congress, the United States, and our
    allies do to, in your words, create a positive program for
    change for a new Belarus?
        And I think I may have lost you.
        Mr. Keating. Yes. Could we just pause for a moment?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. It was the button. Sorry.
        Mr. Keating. Perhaps if you could just summarize again
    quickly, if that is possible. Representative Schneider, could
    you just----
        Mr. Schneider. I am sorry, were you able to hear me, Ms.
    Tsikhanouskaya, or do I need to summarize?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. Yes, yes, yes. I just think--I am
    sorry--help support the Belarusian people or Belarus at the
    moment; how to be with the Belarusian people? So, first of all,
    this is like three pillars.
        First of all, it is pressure on the regime--sanctions,
    putting political pressure on Lukashenko politically and
    economically, and all this stuff.
        Second, it is support to civil society--media, workers,
    medics, any groups of people.
        And the third pillar is justice in our country. There is no
    law at the moment in Belarus. We have to look for justice in
    other countries. In many cases, investigation of crimes in
    Belarus have been started on the basis of universal
    jurisdiction--you know, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic.
        So, you can like support the three pillars or through
    something else you can. And second, you can support the U.N.
    accountability mechanism for investigating crimes in Belarus.
    And again, from the USA sectoral sanctions, in such spheres,
    oil, gas, and potash fertilizer industries are very important.
    Just if you find any State organizations that are like wallets
    of Lukashenko, oligarchs that are supporting this regime,
    supporting violence, and impose sanctions on them, it will be
    very good, strong leverage on the oppression for the regime.
        And as for the future of Belarus, you know, the only thing
    I want from the future of Belarus is that my children and the
    new generation feel safe on the ground; that they understand
    that a person is their highest value for this country; you
    know, that everybody, every person is responsible for building
    this new Belarus.
        And, you know, having paid such a huge price during this
    revolution for a new Belarus, I am sure that every Belarusian
    will do his or her best to stay united in the future and to do
    everything to come to democracy.
        Mr. Schneider. Thank you. That is a phenomenal, inspiring
    answer, and know that we are with you. Know that we are
    cheering for your country, for your people.
        And with that, I yield back.
        Mr. Keating. Thank you, Representative.
        Representative Meuser is recognized for 5 minutes.
    Representative Meuser?
        Mr. Meuser. Yes, thank you, Chairman.
        Thank you for attending this hearing with us. It is
    certainly some compelling testimony.
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, you wrote in a Washington Post op-ed
    last year that, ``we will continue our boycott of the State
    apparatus. Many private businesses have stopped dealing with
    State-owned banks; more will do the same. Whenever possible,
    businesspeople should delay, refuse to pay and refuse to buy
    products from State-owned factories.''
        Can you describe how things have gone since making those
    statements? And has it been successful? Has it had some
    deteriorating factors? Maybe expand upon that a little bit, if
    you would not mind, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya.
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. So, can you repeat the question?
        Mr. Meuser. Your comments in The Washington Post op-ed that
    you had written last year regarding boycotting of State-owned
    businesses and factors, can you please expand upon what support
    that was met with? Heavy resistance? Problems for you
    personally? Has it met with any success?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. Well, many people say sanctions can
    make people suffer on the ground because they will lose their
    job or something. But people are already suffering. It is not
    my demand, putting sanctions on the State organizations. It is
    the people's demand who are working in these organizations. You
    know, they are suffering at the moment. They have been fired.
    They are putting on pressure from the regime. They are
    humiliated or other factors in different ways. They get small
    salaries and have a lot to do on the factories. But, still,
    they lead this sanction because people understand that this
    economical pressure will ruin this regime.
        When the regime does not have money to pay to the riot
    police, riot police will refuse to serve this regime. You know,
    it is like a circle. If factory does not pay the regime, the
    regime does not pay the riot police, and the regime does not
    have support because the only support at the moment the regime
    has, it is violence--violence executed by riot police. So,
    people are ready to suffer because of lack of salaries, but
    they want to change this regime so much that they want the
    sanctions most of all.
        Mr. Meuser. Okay. And so, the nine Belarusian officials and
    four entities related to human rights abuses that were
    sanctioned several months ago, has that been effective and
    should that be expanded, in your view? Based on what you
    Stated, we should be engaged in more, heavier sanctions of more
    individuals as well as entities that are part of this
    suppression?
        Ms. Tsikhanouskaya. Of course, I have to say that we are
    grateful for all the sanction list you have already enforced.
    But we see that the number of people is not enough. Because
    this very narrow circle of people sanctioned, they know how to
    avoid the sanctions. You know, they don't have assets in your
    banks already. They know how to avoid this.
        But those people, the judges, security forces offices,
    education and support officials that support the regime, they
    also to be put on the sanctions list. Because the next time,
    the next judge will think twice before making a crime against a
    person or against demonstrators, peaceful demonstrators.
        The threat of these sanctions is sometimes even more useful
    than any other way of pressure on these people. For sure, the
    sanction list has to be widened.
        Mr. Meuser. Right. Thank you very much.
        And, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
        Mr. Keating. I thank the gentleman for his comments.
        And just a couple of closing remarks. Our thanks, Ms.
    Tsikhanouskaya. This was an enormously moving hearing, an
    unusual hearing in that respect. And your participation and
    taking the time to talk to us in Congress is so important.
        And my colleagues, I want to thank all of them. It is an
    abnormally busy day today for many reasons, and the
    participation was extraordinary at this subcommittee hearing.
        I would say this: that, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, you began the
    hearing with your remarks wishing us a happy Saint Patrick's
    Day. And I want to think about the words of a very famous Irish
    poet, Seamus Heaney. And he remarked at one point--and it is a
    remark that is used quite often by our President, President
    Biden--when they were talking about a period of troubles in
    Ireland that was so severe. He said that, ``If we winter this
    one out, we can summer anywhere.''
        And I think winter has descended in terms of democracy
    right on Belarus, and the world knows that and the U.S. knows
    that. And we are going to weather this winter together, a
    winter of authoritarian rule, of violence, of intimidation. And
    we are going to work together with you, hopefully, joining
    together as a diaspora, as well as government officials. As you
    go forward with your IT platform and strategy and victory, we
    will be looking, and perhaps helping, to deal with those issues
    as you go forward.
        But I want to tell you we will continue. The U.S. will
    fully implement the powers that it can implement for democracy
    in Belarus. We will work on a continuing basis to stop the
    violence there, to push for the release of political prisoners
    there, and to make sure that there is a genuine dialog between
    the people of Belarus and forging ahead to a legitimate
    government where people can be represented.
        And just in your last few remarks, I think you summed up
    the goals of all of us in a free world when you just said, What
    we want most is to pass a better world and better country to
    our children. And importantly, you said, every person has a
    responsibility.
        So, I want to assure you that we view our responsibility as
    standing up for Belarus, for democracy. And you continue to
    inspire us every day. And the work and the effort that you have
    done, joined by so many courageous individuals, and the
    hallmark of them, probably in this effort more than many
    others, of women being involved is so important.
        So, thank you so much for being here. We will continue to
    work with you to make sure that the people of Belarus can get
    through this winter. And then, when that happens, we can all
    celebrate democracy all the time in the summer. So, thank you
    so much.
        And with that, this hearing is adjourned.
        [Whereupon, at 10:53 a.m., the subcommittee was adjourned.]

                                    APPENDIX

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