Belarus opposition activists arrive in Poland
- Like the Tsepkalos, Lukashenko's rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has also fled abroad and is now in the Baltic state Lithuania.
WARSAW: Poland's foreign ministry said Wednesday that prominent Belarusian opposition activists Valery and Veronika Tsepkalo have arrived in the EU member, which has taken a lead in European diplomacy on the political crisis in neighbouring Belarus.
Belarus has been shaken by unprecedented protests against President Alexander Lukashenko's 26-year rule ever since a disputed presidential election in which he claimed victory.
Like the Tsepkalos, Lukashenko's rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has also fled abroad and is now in the Baltic state Lithuania.
Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz "welcomed Valery and Veronika Tsepkalo, who arrived in Poland yesterday," the ministry tweeted, along with photos of the trio Wednesday.
"The minister applauded the determination of Belarus's civil society and promised Polish support," it added.
Ex-diplomat Valery Tsepkalo was barred from standing in the August 9 election.
His wife Veronika gained prominence for flanking Tikhanovskaya at rallies along with Maria Kolesnikova, the campaign chief of another opposition candidate who was also dropped from the polls.
The three women were dubbed "Charlie's Angels" by one Belarusian news outlet for their signature gestures, which include a punched fist, fingers in a heart shape and a victory sign.
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