Belarusian authorities advance a case linked to Tikhanovskaya and allied figures
Belarus’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has disclosed that a criminal case has been opened involving Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the former presidential candidate, alongside other dissidents. The charges center on the alleged creation of a paramilitary extremist group named the Commonwealth Rush, with operations reportedly connected to Poland and Lithuania. This information was presented by Evgeny Piletsky, who heads the department responsible for organized crime and corruption within the ministry’s Main Directorate (GUBOPiK) (Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs).
In an official communication published by the ministry, it was stated that lawsuits have been filed and subsequently consolidated into a single litigation. The parties named include Tikhanovskaya and Valery Sakhashchik and Alexander Azarov, who are described as representatives of the so-called Joint Transitional Cabinet. The central allegation is their involvement in forming an extremist organization (Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs).
District officials indicated that the investigation currently involves more than two hundred individuals who are under scrutiny within this case (Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs).
The ministry’s statement identifies several groups deemed terrorist within Belarus, among them BYPOL, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Transitional Cabinet, as well as other entities. The narration frames these organizations as threats to territorial integrity, sovereignty, constitutional order, and public security in the country (Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs).
Officials warned that among those implicated are a mix of diaspora members and students who have taken refuge abroad. The authorities allege that some of these individuals connected with the mentioned formations aim to return to Belarus with the intent of forming a subversive “fifth column.” The plan, as described by the ministry, includes engaging in sabotage, acts of terror, and covert operations on Belarusian soil. The combined organization is alleged to be prepared for use during the 2024-2025 electoral period to destabilize the internal situation (Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs).