Magnitsky Awards
Winner’s Bio

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is the Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and widely recognised as the President-elect following the widely disputed August 9, 2020, presidential election, where independent observers agree she defeated the long-serving autocrat Aliaksandr Lukashenka. Her victory in an election marred by mass fraud sparked brutal crackdowns; nonetheless, she emerged as the unifying leader of Belarus’s democratic forces. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Tsikhanouskaya was among the first to condemn the aggression, actively supporting Ukraine and initiating an anti-war campaign. She has persistently called for stronger international sanctions against both Putin’s and Lukashenka’s regimes.

Under her leadership, critical democratic institutions have been built in exile, including the United Transitional Cabinet, which coordinates strategic decisions, and the Coordination Council, a proto-parliament that represents Belarusians worldwide. Tsikhanouskaya has travelled extensively, representing the Belarusian cause to over 40 countries, pushing for the release of more than 1,300 political prisoners, securing humanitarian aid, and advocating for a peaceful, democratic future through free elections. Her efforts have earned her de facto recognition by numerous countries as the legitimate leader of Belarus, marked by meetings with key world leaders such as Emmanuel Macron, Ursula von der Leyen, Donald Trump, Friedrich Merz, Justin Trudeau, and Maia Sandu. She has forged strategic partnerships with the EU, US, UK, Canada, and others, creating a Contact Group with the Council of Europe to maintain Belarus on the global agenda.

Sviatlana’s political journey began as a personal fight for justice when her husband, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a Belarusian YouTuber, video blogger, and opposition activist, was arrested shortly after announcing his candidacy in 2020. Siarhei, often compared to figures like Alexei Navalny for his bold opposition and use of social media, spent nearly five years in harsh imprisonment, including prolonged solitary confinement. He was sentenced to 18 years on politically motivated charges after his arrest for collecting signatures to run against Lukashenka. Despite extreme repression and torture attempts, Siarhei’s resilience and courage have inspired the Belarusian democratic movement.

Following Siarhei’s arrest, Sviatlana stepped into the presidential race, transforming from a political outsider into the face of Belarus’s peaceful resistance. The couple was reunited after Siarhei’s release in June 2025, having endured years apart under brutal conditions. Together, they embody Belarus’s struggle for freedom and democracy—their courage and leadership continue to inspire millions both at home and internationally. Their joint award as Outstanding Opposition Politicians recognises their extraordinary sacrifice, steadfast commitment, and pivotal role in Belarus’s fight for democratic change.