Kalesnikava, Bialiatski and many other political prisoners finally free!
The Belarusian regime has once again released dozens of political prisoners. In order to help a large number of people immediately upon their arrival in exile, LIBERECO and Viasna have launched a comprehensive emergency aid programme.
On 13 December, the Belarusian regime pardoned 123 people, including many political prisoners. Among those released are Maria Kalesnikava, one of the leaders of the opposition in Belarus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, lawyer Maxim Znak, former TUT.BY editor-in-chief Maryna Zolatava and former presidential candidate Viktar Babaryka, according to the Belarusian human rights centre Viasna.
The released politcal prisoners are expected to be brought to the EU. LIBERECO is therefore responding with an emergency aid programme. Together with Viasna, we provide support to the former prisoners after their arrival in exile.
As hundreds of released political prisoners in the past, those recently freed were also forced to leave Belarus. But arriving in exile after deportation and building a new life takes a lot of energy and resources. Many former prisoners are initially left destitute – without housing, healthcare, legal or psychological support. To help these people, LIBERECO and Viasna have launched a comprehensive emergency scheme.
We organise …
- … accommodation and provide basic care immediately after arrival in exile.
- … medical assistance for health problems suffered while in detention.
- … trauma therapy, individual psychosocial counselling and group activities to strengthen mental health and self-determination.
- … legal assistance with asylum and residence procedures in exile.
Forced into exile from prison
Since 2020, thousands of Belarusians have risked their personal freedom to stand up for democracy, human rights and a life of dignity. Many of them paid for their determination with years of imprisonment, and quite a few of them were abused or tortured.
We did not leave these people alone in prison, and we will not leave them alone now when they have been released. Donate now to our emergency fund for released political prisoners!
Donation account
Recipient: Libereco
Bank: Ethikbank
IBAN: DE96 8309 4495 0003 3203 32
BIC: GENO DE F1 ETK
Purpose: Emergency support Belarus
Background to the recent mass release
The recent mass pardon came after talks between Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko and a US delegation led by John Cole. According to reports, sanctions against the Belarusian potash industry are to be lifted in return for the releases.