Фото: t.me/tsikhanouskaya
A group of former Belarusian political prisoners has issued an open letter to the leaders of European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Norway. The signatories are urging them to step up efforts to secure the release of political prisoners and end repression in Belarus by using diplomatic channels, negotiations, pressure and incentives.
At the time the appeal was circulated, it had been signed by 73 people. They include TUT.BY CEO Ludmila Chekina, the outlet’s editor-in-chief Maryna Zolatava, human rights defenders Marfa Rabkova and Nasta Loika, politicians Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka, media manager Andrei Aliaksandrau, activists Iryna Zlobina and Alana Gebremariam, and journalist Irina Slavnikova.
The authors of the letter note that Belarus remains one of the world’s leading countries in terms of the number of political prisoners. According to figures from human rights defenders cited in the appeal, around 900 people remain behind bars, although the actual number may be significantly higher. At least nine people have died in custody. Many have spent five or six years in detention.
Meanwhile, repression continues: new politically motivated detentions and sentences are reported almost daily, the signatories stress.
“We call on the European Union and the United Kingdom to take an active part in securing the release of political prisoners and ending repression in Belarus. Please use every available means: diplomatic channels, negotiation formats, pressure and incentives, public and discreet work alike,” the letter states.
The former political prisoners are calling for these efforts to be consistent and coordinated. In their view, the release of detainees should be a permanent item on the agenda of any contacts with Minsk and discussions about future relations with Belarus.
The authors also draw particular attention to the conditions of release and the safety of those freed.
“Releases must be part of a lasting solution, not a one-off gesture. Those freed should not be forced into exile without the right to return, and those who remain should not live under the threat of re-arrest,” they stress.
The appeal remains open to other former political prisoners who wish to add their signatures.