Former political prisoners demand to free not yet released ones

Belarusian political prisoners of the late 1990s and 2000s demand the authorities to release current political prisoners.

“It is painful to see that prisons in our country don't stay empty and our associates serve prison terms for their political beliefs on far-fetched accusations. Some of us were granted early release due to a policy of sanctions or a dialogue. The release of political prisoners has always given and continues to give a chance to improve our international relations and stop isolation of the country that is a necessary condition to prevent another wave of economic and social crisis, responsibility for which will imminently lay on the Belarusian ruler,” the appeal says.

Former political prisoners demand to release those kept in Belarusian prisons for their beliefs regardless whether they applied for a pardon or not. They also urge to resume dialogue and proper diplomatic relations with the EU and the USA and launch real liberalization in the country, Radio Svaboda reports.

The appeal was signed by:

Slavamir Adamovich

Alyaksandr Kazulin

Mikita Likhavid

Anastasia Palazhanka

Vyachaslau Siuchyk

Andrzej Poczobut

Yury Khadyka

Viktar Ivashkevich

Alyaksei Shydlouski

Artyom Dubski

Artur Finkevich

Andrei Klimau

Uladzimir Yaromenak

Andrei Kim

Syarhei Kavalenka

Dzmitry Kaspyarovich

Andrei Bandarenka

Syarhei Kazakou

Dzmitry Drozd

Pavel Mazheika

Pavel Vinahradau

Alyaksandr Barazenka

Former political prisoners Andrei Sannikov, Zmitser Bandarenka, Natallia Radzina, Uladzimir Kobets, Alyaksandr Atroshchankau, Zmitser Barodka, Yauhen Afnahel and Leanid Navitski expressed their support of the appeal.