Kalesnikava, Bialiatski and many other political prisoners finally free!
The Belarusian regime pardoned 123 political prisoners on 13 December, including many who had been imprisoned since 2020. 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 regime pardoned 123 political prisoners on 13 December, including many who had been imprisoned since 2020. 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.
Most of those released were initially taken to Ukraine and, after undergoing initial medical examinations, are expected to enter the EU from there. Like hundreds of political prisoners released in the past, those released today were forced to leave Belarus. 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.
Viasna and LIBERECO will help these people locally 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
Account Holder: Libereco, 8000 Zurich
Bank: Zürcher Kantonalbank
IBAN: CH81 0070 0114 8059 2400 2
BIC: ZKBK CH ZZ 80A
Libereco – Partnership for Human Rights
Hohlstrasse 176
8004 Zurich
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.
Featured image: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Ukrainian Prisoners of War (Link)