Belarusian democratic forces continue to work with international partners to secure the release of political prisoners and an end to repression in Belarus. This was stated by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at a press conference with political prisoners released in December.
“We are very glad to see people free and we welcome this step by the regime. But we do not forget that more than 1,100 people remain behind bars, including Andrzej Poczobut, Valiantsin Stefanovich, Mikalai Statkevich, Marfa Rabkova, Katsyaryna Andreeva, and hundreds and hundreds of others. New political prisoners are also continuing to appear.
This roller of repression continues and is even intensifying. We demand the full and unconditional release of all political prisoners and, most importantly, an end to repression. All politically motivated criminal cases must be closed. Those who are released must have the right to choose for themselves whether to stay or leave. And those who are in exile must have the opportunity to return home safely. We continue to work with our international partners to achieve these goals,” she said.
Tsikhanouskaya stressed that pressure must continue as long as repression continues.
“Pressure and sanctions against the regime must be maintained while repression and terror against Belarusians continue, while the regime continues its participation in the criminal war against Ukraine and carries out hybrid attacks against Lithuania and Poland,” she added.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also called on international partners to increase support for those affected by repression. She expressed gratitude to the United States, Ukraine, European partners, as well as Belarusian initiatives and organizations.
