Tsikhanouskaya’s office had suspended activities in Lithuania

Dzianis Kuchynski, Tsikhanouskaya’s diplomatic adviser, confirmed this to LRT.

According to him, the office was informed about planned changes of Tsikhanouskaya’s protection in Lithuania on 1 October. He said the office did not have enough time to adapt to changes due to such short notice and had to suspend its activities temporarily.

The public broadcaster reported about reduced security on 7 October.

According to LRT, protection of the Belarusian opposition leader cost Lithuania EUR 1 million annually. This included 24/7 physical security, cars to ensure protection, maintenance of a residence and using airport VIP terminals.

The Dignitary Protection Service (VAT) normally ensures security of the president, parliament speaker and prime minister.

VAT transferred the responsibility for Tsikhanouskaya’s protection to the Criminal Police Bureau.

Tsikhanouskaya fled Belarus for Lithuania after the 2020 Belarusian presidential election due to safety concerns as Alexander Lukashenko was declared the winner.