Николай Статкевич
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has commented on reports about the release of political prisoner Mikalai Statkevich, which were announced earlier today by his wife, Maryna Adamovich.
“I feel great relief that Mikalai Statkevich is finally free and at home. I am especially happy for Maryna, who waited for so long and fought so persistently for Mikalai all these years. I sincerely wish him strength and health and a swift recovery after the stroke he suffered. Right now, it is important that Mikalai receives the necessary treatment, the warmth of his family and the support of loved ones,” the politician said.
She added that at least 1,100 political prisoners still remain behind bars.
“All of them must be released,” the leader of the democratic forces stressed.
The release of Mikalai Statkevich was also commented on by the head of the Viasna Human Rights Centre, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former political prisoner Ales Bialiatski.
“A wonderful, long-awaited piece of news. Mikalai Statkevich, the patriarch of Belarusian resistance, who spent so many years in prison, has finally been released. He achieved his goal and remained in Belarus. Joy with a bitter aftertaste. Freedom came at a high price: Mikalai has serious health problems. In prison, the authorities take away political prisoners’ health, and sometimes their lives. The sadistic regime knows no mercy. Dear Mikalai, recover! Our cause is not yet finished — Belarus needs you!” Viasna quoted him as saying.