She also urged continued international support for neighbouring Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion.
"Freedom Day is also a day of solidarity with those in prison, those in exile, all those who continue the fight, and solidarity with Ukraine,” Tsikhanouskaya said in a video message posted on social media
“The fate of Belarus and Ukraine is intertwined," she added. "Ukrainians are defending their freedom with courage and dignity, and Belarusians stand with them. A free Ukraine means a free Belarus, and a free Belarus means a safer Europe."
Freedom Day, observed annually on March 25, marks the anniversary of the 1918 declaration of the Belarusian People’s Republic, a short-lived independent state seen by many in the democratic opposition as a symbol of Belarusian sovereignty.
Although not recognised by the current regime, it has become an important date for activists and exiles resisting the authoritarian rule of strongman Alexander Lukashenko.
Tsikhanouskaya accused Lukashenko of seeking to erase Belarusian identity, imprison "those who speak the truth" and make the world "forget about Belarus," adding that Belarusians "will not let that happen."
She said more than 1,000 political prisoners remain jailed in Belarus and called for their release.
“We must demand their freedom. We must not forget them,” she said.
Tsikhanouskaya called on Belarusians around the world to take part in rallies marking national Freedom Day, carrying the white-red-white flag used by the country’s pro-democracy movement.
“Show the world that Belarus lives, that Belarus will be free, that the spirit of our revolution carries on,” she appealed.
She also thanked supporters who have backed Belarusians over the years “both with words and actions."
“Thanks to you, we are moving closer to freedom,” she said.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP