When Svetlana Tikhanovskaya planned her travel to Australia, she plotted her route meticulously.

The woman regarded as Belarus’ president-in-exile faced the risk of being extradited and sent to jail if she transited through the wrong country. So the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and India were ruled out.

The threats she faces each day are even more serious. Those close to Tikhanovskaya, an outspoken opponent of Vladimir Putin, say she is a top global target for the Russian president and his Belarusian sidekick, Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994.

When we meet in Sydney this week, two bodyguards provided by the Australian government are hovering nearby, keeping a lookout.

This is not paranoia: hours after our interview, ASIO boss Mike Burgess delivers a chilling sp

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