Ivonka Survilla: Amensty International takes Lukashenka's side

Chairperson of the Council of the Belarusian People's Republic (BNR), Ivinka Survilla, comments on a refusal of the Amnesty International to recognize Syarhei Kavalenka prisoner of conscience.

She said in an interview for Radio Svaboda:

“The BNR Council took critically the reply of the Amnesty International to MEP Marek Migalski over the case of Syarhei Kavalenka.

Instead of defending human rights, which seems to be the main aim of the Amnesty International, the organization took the side of the regime of Lukashenka, who has been mocking his people and

destroying human rights for 18 years of his rule. A reference to “disobedience to police” looks cynical – Syarhei Kavalenka is reported to have been brutally beaten by police officers in detention.

As the Chairperson of the BNR Council, I will apply to the Amnesty International urging them to reconsider their decision. I call on everyone who worries about the fate of the political prisoner to do the same.

I'd like to note members of the BNR Rada and I have repeatedly appealed to western politicians in connection with Syarhei Kavalenka's case and always met understanding. The BNR Council thinks Syarhei Kavalenka (as well as other political prisoners) must be released immediately.”