British MPs in solidarity with Belarusian journalists (Photo)

29.08.2012, 13:22

Youth Liberals of Great Britain continue the campaign for the protection of Belarusian journalists.

The campaign had started in response to the arrest of journalists in Belarus for having a picture with a soft toy. The activists had opened a site www.bearsforbelarus.wordpress.com. Anyone who wants to support the Belarusians to publish their photos with soft toys there. Site now received over 15,000 hits worldwide.

British MPs Tim Farron, Jo Swinson, John Leech, Mike Crockart were among those who supported the Belarusian journalists and published their photos with teddy bears.

“We can sometimes forget how lucky we are to enjoy freedom of speech and a free press. I am delighted to support the Bears for Belarus campaign which highlights the arrest of journalists and oppression of those who campaign for democracy and human rights in Belarus,” - Jo Swinson, MP for East Dunbartonshire & Deputy Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats said.

“I’m very pleased with the way that the campaign has taken off. The fight to depose Europe’s Last Dictator will continue, but Liberal Youth has raised awareness of the situation in Belarus – and this can only be good news.

These are the kind of actions we sadly expect from Lukashenka. His police have been reported to beat and arrest protesters, his elections fall far short of international democratic standards, whilst the media is censored to hide these violations of human rights. Still Belarus imprisons and reportedly tortures political prisoners, including young campaigners for democracy,” - Tom Wood, Chair of Liberal Youth, said.