The article discusses the current state of affairs in Belarus, where the regime of dictator Alexander Lukashenko has been suppressing opposition and press freedom. The article highlights several points:
1. The Belarusian opposition is planning to issue alternative identity documents called “New Belarus” passports for exiled Belarusians.
2. The project was announced in 2023 but had little progress until now, when the first prototypes of the passport have been produced.
3. The new document will initially be available only to EU-based Belarusians due to verification constraints and has yet to be recognized as suitable for travel or as official proof of identity.
4. The opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya announced that applications for the alternative passports will start being accepted on January 26.
5. The “New Belarus” passport project aims to provide a way out for exiled Belarusians who have been unable to renew their essential documents due to Lukashenko’s ban on issuing or renewing passports abroad.
Overall, the article provides an update on the situation in Belarus and highlights the opposition’s efforts to counter the regime’s suppression of press freedom and individual rights.
