Lithuania: Belarusian activist denied asylum on national security grounds

The Lithuanian Migration Department (LMD) has refused to grant asylum to Belarusian activist Volha Karach on national security grounds, LRT reports. The State Security Department (VSD) revealed that Karach had cooperated with Russian intelligence services, providing them with information about the Belarusian regime and opposition. In exchange, Russian intelligence services helped Karach manage her image. Karach denied the allegation but admitted attending various conferences in Russia. She has appealed LMD’s decision in court, BNS reports. LMD has granted a temporary residence permit to Karach, who heads the Lithuania-based NGO, Nash Dom (Our House). The organisation was earlier nominated for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize.