LRT: The authorities of Lithuania have reduced the security level for Tikhanovskaya.
The authorities of Lithuania have reduced the security level for the former presidential candidate of Belarus, opposition politician Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. This was reported by LRT citing the words of the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the republic, Kęstutis Budrys.
It is noted that previously the protection of Tikhanovskaya was the responsibility of the State Protection Service. Now this duty will be transferred to the Criminal Police Bureau, which will provide her protection not as a state figure, but as a person who may be in danger. In particular, this agency deals with the protection of witnesses and victims.
"Based on decisions, assessment of the security situation, and risk analysis, the State Protection Service decided to reduce the level of protection provided. Both Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and her office were informed about this decision, and I personally spoke with her about it," the minister said.
At the same time, sources from the portal note that Tikhanovskaya's protection cost Lithuania 1 million euros annually. This amount included round-the-clock protection in Lithuania and abroad, escort vehicles, maintenance of her residence, as well as access to VIP terminals at airports. Tikhanovskaya will still be able to use VIP terminals, as this right is associated with her status as a guest.
Previously, protests were held in Lithuania against the accreditation of the office of Belarusian opposition politician Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. The organizers of the action stated that their goal is to revoke the diplomatic status granted to Tikhanovskaya and her office.
