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On December 6−7, the European Congress of Local Authorities taken place in Mikolajki (Poland). The European Congress is a platform for exchange of opinions and a meeting place for local government leaders, regional elites with representatives of state administration, non-governmental organizations and business. More than 800 participants of the Congress discuss topical issues in 70 discussion panels. One of the panels this year is devoted to Belarus: "Self-government or centralization. What will be Belarus' choice?". The National Anti-Crisis Management acted as a partner in organizing this panel. The NAM team members Mikhail Kirilyuk, Valery Matskevich, Natalia Zaderkovskaya, Yury Gubarevich and experts touched upon the current state and prospects of local authorities transformation, investments in regional development, promising directions after regime change, and the most topical topic: "Referendum" as an attempt of final centralization? Shaping the image of Belarus' future and preparing reforms is an important component of the NAM’s work.

On December 9, 2021, a high-level event "The Future of the Eastern Partnership in the EU" is scheduled to be held online. It is planned that the conference will be opened by the Deputy Director General of the European Commission Katarina Maternova, as well as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Pavel Latushka. The event is planned to be attended by Eva-Maria Liimets, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, and Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, as well as representatives of the European Commission and the European External Action Service, various analytical tanks. One of the topics of the conference will be “The Democratic Future of Belarus in the Eastern Partnership”. The Eastern Partnership summit is scheduled for December 15 in Brussels. Radio Liberty journalist Rikard Jozvyak recently announced that Belarus will be represented by an empty seat at the summit. At the same time, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said at a high-level conference in Vienna that the voice of the democratic forces of Belarus should be heard at the Eastern Partnership summit.

Persecution of Lukashenka and his accomplices under universal jurisdiction in France according to French lawyer It happens that the crimes are obvious, but politics and bureaucracy interfere with punishing the perpetrators. The Belarusians know this very well. But Lukashenka has become so toxic that lawyers around the world are making efforts to bring him to justice, including under the principle of universal jurisdiction (UJ). Lawyer Maho Vanson spoke about this direction in France. "Our law says: a person can be held accountable for acts of torture committed abroad if he is in France. The courts confirmed this, but indicated that: the offender must be in France only during the prosecution — this is not required for the investigation; the presence of an accomplice in France is sufficient". "French law provides for Criminal Justice for crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). But the conditions for the use of UJ are more stringent than those under the UN Convention: only the prosecutor's office can initiate a criminal case; it is necessary to check whether any national jurisdiction has requested the extradition of the person; the defendant must live in France; the principle of double recognition of the crime must be respected". "The fact that Belarus is not a party to the ICC or the Convention against Torture is not a problem: torture is also a crime under its legislation. The main difficulty in persecuting Lukashenka and his officials is that they move very little. The condition of being in France is not met, and this may lead to the French side abandoning its jurisdiction". "But lately there has been a mobilization in France to discuss the blocking of the UJ in the laws. A number of human rights defenders, lawyers, politicians have already taken important steps. For example, Senator Jean-Pierre Sur introduced an amendment to remove obstacles to the Office of Justice, and it was supported by the French Coalition of the ICC". "Yes, there is still resistance, mainly political, against the introduction of the UJ mechanism in France. We must constantly raise our voices and try to shake things up. Moreover, there is no doubt that from a political point of view, France's support for the Belarusian people is absolute". On December 2, the Head of the NAM Pavel Latushka raised the issues of applying universal jurisdiction and recognizing the Lukashenka regime as terrorist at a meeting with the French special representative for Belarus, Ambassador Nicolas de Lacoste.

"The largest enterprise in the country — Grodno Azot — lost 52 million dollars. This is the price of the original economic model" New issue of the NAM heading "Destroyer of legends of Belarusian industry". In each episode, we compare the industrial legends of Belarus with similar enterprises in the world. The Head of the column is Mikhail Kirilyuk, leader of the NAM justice team, anti-crisis manager with 5 years of experience. We looked into the field of nitrogen compounds and fertilizers production. And they compared the two largest enterprises: JSC "Grodno Azot" and the Norwegian chemical company "Yara International ASA". In the new video you will learn: income of enterprises, taking into consideration that Grodno Azot was included in the sanctions list only in 2021; sales volumes, net profit and profitability of Grodno Azot and Yara; do the economic indicators of Grodno Azot comply with the norms of the Ministry of Economy? We are waiting for your conclusions in the comments. Happy viewing!

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Chairperson of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Margareta Sederfelt in Stockholm The Chairperson also invited the National Anti-Crisis Management to participate in the meeting. The NAM was represented at the meeting by the People’s Embassy of Belarus in Sweden. This is the first example when the National Anti-Crisis Management was represented at an international meeting by the People’s Embassy of Belarus. The meeting participants discussed issues and approaches to resolving the regional crisis that arose in connection with falsified elections and ongoing repressions in Belarus. Representative of the People’s Embassy of Belarus in Sweden Dmitry Wasserman conveyed to the Chairman of the OSCE PA the NAM proposals on resolving the crisis situation, held talks with the head of the French delegation to the OSCE PA Siren Mauborgne, a member of the Swedish delegation to the OSCE Björn Söder and Vice-President of the OSCE PA Pia Kauma (Finland). The meeting was also attended by Vice-Chairmen of the OSCE PA Askar Shakirov (Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan), Azay Guliyev (Head of the Azerbaijani delegation), Irene Charalambides (Head of the Cyprus delegation) and Pascal Alizar (Deputy Head of the French delegation). It should be reminded that the People’s Embassies are an initiative of the Belarusian diaspora community "Belarusians Abroad" with the support of the National Anti-Crisis Management to create representative offices of democratic Belarus abroad during the loss of legitimacy of the current government in the country and abroad.

US synchronizes sanctions against Lukashenka’s regime with EU and UK decisions On December 2, Pavel Latushka and other members of the NAM team met with US Ambassador Julie Fisher at the office of the National Anti-Crisis Management. The meeting participants discussed the NAM strategy aimed at meeting the requirements of the Belarusian society after the rigged elections in Belarus. Attention was also paid to the issues of pressure on the regime as a factor of the dictator’s responsibility for massive repressions against the Belarusian people. The ambassador noted that the US is synchronizing with the EU and Great Britain the sanctions against the Lukashenka’s regime, which will be announced today. The US representative informed that the policy towards the dictator Lukashenka will not undergo changes. Further instruments of economic pressure in connection with unprecedented violations of human rights in Belarus were discussed separately. During the meeting, they also touched upon the issues of regional security, the threat of which is posed by Lukashenka.

Opinion of the Secretary of the Rada of the Belarusian People's Republic on the actions of the dictatorship The crimes of the Lukashenka’s regime, which he has been committing for 27 years, are so large-scale and varied that they immediately claim a number of "honorable" statuses — up to international terrorism. There is an opinion that the actions of the illegitimate authorities, moreover, even in the "dock-like" period, are quite "pulling" even for genocide. Polina Prismakova, Secretary of the BPR Rada, Associate Professor of the Department of Public Administration at the Atlantic University in Florida, USA, adheres to this. Here are quotes from her speech at the NAM legal conference in Nuremberg. "Crimes against humanity began in Belarus long before 2020 and bear the character of genocide of Belarusians. There should be no statute of limitations for such cases, and all of them should be considered by the tribunal". "I urge you to turn to such a mechanism of international justice as the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. We should not wait until hundreds of thousands are killed to make sure that the Lukashenka’s regime is ready to do anything to keep power. We already have those who have died, been arrested, have gone through and are going through torture and political persecution". "We must prevent mass terror of the Belarusian nation". "Pay attention to the widespread prohibition of everything Belarusian: starting with the 1995 referendum, the first step towards limiting the Belarusian language and symbols, and up to the persecution of Belarusians in 2020−21 for possessing something white-red-white. This demonstrates the anti-Belarusian, anti-national orientation of the repressions and gives the events in the country the character of genocide". "Just like the Nazis killed Jews because they are Jews, so Lukashenka’s junta is destroying us because we are Belarusians. Examples range from the recent liquidation of the Belarusian School Society to the closure of the Belarusian-language Lyceum named after Kolas in the past". "The illegal persecution by the junta of representatives of all strata of our people and the targeted extermination of the most visible "conscientious" — this is more than political repression". "And the ability to determine your future through the election of the president is not a political conviction, but the right and duty of every citizen, guaranteed by the Constitution".

— Vyacheslav Orlovsky, Head of the so-called GUBOPIK — one of Lukashenka’s militant groups — stated that the regime intends to put pressure on Belarusians who support the idea of using an absolutely legal and prescribed in the electoral code method of expression of will in a "referendum" — an invalid ballot. Every voter in a referendum has every right to put a sign in two squares, and this action is absolutely legal. Already now, the regime is preparing to break the law, realizing that it has no reason to obstruct the referendum strategy proposed by the democratic forces. This means that our strategy is correct.

Unification around a common action. Lena Zhivoglod and Dmitry Shchigelsky — on the strategy of action at the "referendum" Community leader *Honest people and the NAM coordinator Lena Zhivoglod and representative of the "Supratsiu" movement Dmitry Shchigelsky discussed what to do at the "referendum". It is important for us that, we, Belarusians, come to a common plan and a single strategy through discussions. Only common and coordinated efforts will help us achieve freedom and democracy in our country. Dmitry Shchigelsky: "The boycott [at the "referendum"] will not work. In order the boycott to work, a unified position of all democratic forces is needed. The politicization of society is necessary. A completely different socio-political situation is needed, which does not exist now. The position is very simple: if we cannot prevent a crime, we do not participate in it. De facto, we will get an ignore, not a boycott. There are no forces and means, circumstances and prerequisites for a boycott and, apparently, will not be". Lena Zhivoglod: "Lukashenka's "referendum" is really a crime. But my position is to discourage crime. Come to polling stations and invalidate ballots. We have not announced further plans yet, but the scenarios of actions are currently in development. Tactical steps will be added to the basic plan published by the democratic forces". Lena Zhivoglod: "We do not dictate to Belarusians what to do. Closed sociological studies of real agencies, not polls in the telegram, show that Belarusians want to go to a "referendum". And the democratic forces have united to help in this and to take the action that will benefit all of us and interfere with Lukashenka’s plans. If we ignore the "referendum", then we will move along the path of depoliticizing society and return to the state before 2020 ". Dmitry Shchigelsky: "In theory, it is easier to calculate the turnout than the voting results. How is the turnout calculated? They put people near the polling stations — and they record how many people have come. But in our conditions, I doubt that someone will let someone stand like this. The security forces will come and take everyone away. Therefore, yes, we will not be able to confirm the boycott either. But we, at the very least, do not become accomplices. I understand that this is a position that many do not like, that it may be weak, but the second position is even worse". Lena Zhivoglod: "I agree with Dmitry that everything is complicated in Belarus, that people are afraid that no one has taken power. But my position is to address these issues. Ignoring and boycotting do not help us get things moving forward. For me, ignoring a "referendum" sounds like a proposal to wait for a better moment, and not create it ourselves. I am also convinced that the people of Belarus are subject to decide what to do. We can help with the infrastructure and the plan — and this is the proposal of the democratic forces". "If we ignore the 'referendum', it will be a real gift for the regime." For what go to the polling stations and invalidate ballots. Advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya Alexander Dobrovolsky, member of the the NAM justice team Artsiom Praskalovich and strategic communication manager of the Office of Svitlana Tsikhanouskaya Anastasia Kostyugovatalk about the future "referendum" of Lukashenka: In the video you will learn more about the unified strategy of the democratic forces. The participants will also remember the same 1996 referendum and explain why the boycott actually does not work and why it is possible to win only with a single strategy. "I think that Lukashenka can seek legitimization both in the" referendum "itself and in the future new post of the chairman of the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly. The dictator is under pressure from both external and internal circumstances, so he comes up with new attempts to create the illusion of change. But if his plan works, everything will change only for the worse: all power and, possibly, the right to elect the president, will go to the APA. If we ignore the "referendum", then for citizen Lukashenka it will be a real gift: everything will be quiet, calm and according to the scenario of the regime", said Artsiom Praskalovich.

We share our vision and look forward to your ideas When Lukashenka’s regime becomes a "turned page", all those who have suffered from his illegal actions during all these 27 years must be rehabilitated. This is even more than an act of justice. This is an important part of the foundation of the New Belarus. The future rehabilitation will be the first large-scale and full-fledged (as opposed to attempts to rehabilitate victims of Stalinist repression) procedure of this kind in the history of independent Belarus. We not only have to build it with our own hands. We need people who will be the guarantors of this process. Arbitrators from the Belarusian society, whom it fully trusts. Today we are starting a conversation about the National Commission for Rehabilitation, whose members, according to our Concept, will be authorized to consider the cases of victims of repression. The final decision on its composition and regulations will be possible only after the fall of the dictatorship, but we already have a definite vision. We want to share it with you, and besides, we are waiting for your ideas: in the comments, @NAUsupport chatbot and letters to Justice@belarus-nau.org. We have identified three main, in our opinion, issues regarding the Rehabilitation Commission: What functions should it perform? Who should be part of it? What principles should it be guided by? You can find our thoughts on this in the cards. And we are looking forward to hear yours. Rehabilitation of victims of political repression in Belarus National Commission: how will it work? Functions According to our vision, the National Rehabilitation Commission will be empowered to: consider statements of victims of repression on issues within its competence; make decisions on the immediate release of those who have reason to be considered victims of repression; initiate consideration of materials in relation to the repressed for the unconditional restoration of their, repressed, rights and legitimate interests; organize the provision of material and other support to the repressed; maintain a database of victims of repression; inform citizens about rehabilitation issues. Composition Unfortunately, political repressions in Belarus are extremely diverse and harmed people in different ways: material, physical, moral. The National Commission should become a team capable of assessing the consequences of repression and the necessary support in each individual case, therefore, in our opinion, include itself at least: legal experts; economists; doctors; psychologists; representatives of independent media and trade unions; human rights defenders; civil society representatives; former political prisoners. Principles The rehabilitation process will not only help to restore justice, without which it is impossible to build a truly free country. It will prevent a repetition of what the regime has been doing all these years in the future. Therefore, we are confident that the Commission will have to strictly follow a number of principles — the principles of New Belarus, where law and democracy prevail. Principles Legality: decisions must be made only on the basis and in accordance with the Constitution and the law governing the procedure for rehabilitation, and can be appealed in court. Publicity: meetings should be held openly, except in cases where the victim of repression objects to this or the protection of the rights and freedoms of minors is required. Accountability: The Commission must, at least once every 6 months, publish a report on the work done and the decisions taken, as well as hold public hearings on its activities. Collegiality: decisions must be taken by members of the Commission in an open vote by a simple majority of votes.

Citizen of Belarus Lukashenka wants to use the "referendum" to find legitimacy for himself. But we won’t let him do that with our actions Indeed, the dictator will try to show a pretty picture both inside and outside the country. The quiet "referendum" without our active actions will be presented as a demonstration of citizens' trust, as a sign of our agreement with the fact that Lukashenka is able to lead the country out of the crisis. But the Belarusans already know that this is not so. And not only Belarusians: the Head of the German Foreign Ministry, Heiko Maas, has already called the constitutional reform proposed by Alexander Lukashenko "a farce". Vladzimir Astapenka, responsible for multilateral diplomacy at the NAM, explains why the regime will not be able to mislead anyone. — The intention to hold a "referendum" is yet another attempt of the regime to build a false facade of supposedly legitimate power, which will cover up systematic and massive human rights violations and unprecedented violence against the Belarusian people. World democratic standards, including those accepted in the Council of Europe, state that direct democracy is possible and effective only when the preconditions for the free expression of the will of citizens are created. Obviously, when in a country there is "no time for laws", we cannot speak about the existence of conditions for a meaningful and honest referendum. I am convinced that any attempt by the regime to "construct" a semblance of legitimacy must be fiercely repulsed. To invalidate the ballot is a legal opportunity to show the system and the whole world that the Belarusians do not trust the regime, which illegally keeps the power in the country, and they demand new and fair elections," - says Vladzimir Astapenka. How not to let the illegitimate government deceive everyone: Go to the polling stations. Put crosses in front of all the options on the ballot and take a photo. Put the ballot in the ballot box and send the photo to the "Voice" platform.

Stop calling him "president" — a joint appeal of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office and the National Anti-Crisis Management to foreign politicians, journalists and opinion leaders Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Pavel Latushka, Valery Kovalevsky, Vladimir Astapenka and Lena Zhivoglod called on the world community to stop calling and recognizing Lukashenka as president. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: "You can’t call Lukashenka a president in any context. You can’t endow him with a political subjectivity. You can’t empower his rule, and make the world recon with him. He’s not a president. Not even close. Pavel Latushka: He is an usurper and a dictator. He lost and grossly rigged the presidential election. He has seized and retains power by force, staging the most brutal repressions in the modern history of Belarus. So stop calling him "president" — and de-recognize him as one. Vladzimir Astapenka: Because he’s not a president. Just say it out loud and deprive him and his appointees of every possibility to represent Belarus, to speak and act on behalf of its people. And even sit at the same table with the officials of civilized democracies. Valery Kovalevskiy: He’s not a president. In fact — he is a political zero and a pariah in the international arena. And we need to say it out loud — as The European Parliament did in its resolution. Lena Zhivoglod: So if you are an influential politician, a famous journalist or an opinion leader — you need to stop calling him "president". DO NOT recognize him — but DE-recognize him instead. Do it officially and publicly. Pavel Latushka: And let him get what he deserves — an international isolation, an accusation of terrorism, a criminal prosecution and an equitable punishment for all the horrible crimes his regime committed." ✏️Sign the petition about international de-recognition of Lukashenka and his government (for users from Belarus — only via VPN) Only in the last 2 weeks, German and Lithuanian authorities announced that they do not recognize Lukashenka as president. Earlier this was stated by the European Parliament in its Resolution of 7 October.