How to be fearless in the face of authoritarianism | Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Protests in Belarus: A Call for Courage and Solidarity
The Beginning of the Protests
- On August 12, 2020, two groups of girls protested in Minsk, Belarus, wearing white clothes and going barefoot.
- They anticipated police intervention, knowing they would likely be detained and mistreated but chose to protest regardless.
Context of the Protests
- The protests were sparked by a rigged election result just days prior; this led to massive demonstrations across the country.
- Despite state violence and detentions exceeding 10,000 people, including reports of torture and fatalities, protests continued.
Fearlessness as a Collective Strength
- Many Belarusians have become fearless together; fear thrives on isolation while courage is fostered through community support.
- The speaker reflects on her unexpected political role after her husband was jailed; she emphasizes that unity diminishes fear.
Personal Journey and Commitment
- Initially reluctant to enter politics, she felt compelled by circumstances but found strength in public support during rallies.
- She expresses pride in her position and commitment to fight for those who voted for her despite personal fears.
Solidarity as a Source of Strength
- Fearlessness is described as an ongoing commitment requiring daily decisions to support one another.