Zmitser Dashkevich: As long as political prisoners stay behind the bars, no election possible

The former political prisoner recommends politicians who are planning to participate in the “election,” to be honest and tell why they are doing so.

Zmitser Dashkevich told about that in an interview to charter97.org:

- The “chamber” has set the date of the so-called “presidential election”, October 11. Should the opposition participate in it?

- Without doubt, one should not participate in the so-called “election” in the form it is held now. The sociopolitical situation after the year 2010 has changed greatly. No one was staying in prison for one’s political beliefs then. Lukashenka was playing the game of certain “liberalization” – there was an opportunity to collect signatures and to influence the situation at least a little. And now participation in the “election” is meaningless for two reasons.

Firstly, it is impossible technically: I think, there would be considerably less places for collection of signatures and opportunities for election campaigning, while the election is to be held in a harsher form. Lukashenka remembers the result of the “liberalization” – 50,000 citizens in the streets of Minsk, who were demanding a second round of voting and a regime change.

Secondly, there is a moral aspect. Since the time of the last campaign political prisoners are kept behind the bars. They are kept in prisons for the sake of us, for every Belarusian. If the opposition could not be united around the idea of nomination Mikalai Statkevich as a candidate, I see no point in participation in any “election” or agitation for other candidates.

- However, you are a member of the initiative group for nomination of Mikalai Statkevich as a presidential candidate…

- I participate in the initiative group for nomination of Mikalai Statkevich as a presidential candidate. In the list which is to be submitted to the CEC, there is my name, names of my friends. If it is registered, I am going to take an active part in collection of signatures, but not with the aim to participate in the “election”, but for a moral support of Mikalai Statkevich. If 100,000 signatures are collected for him, it would become a compelling argument for release of all political prisoners. To do all in our power for their release is our moral obligation. That’s the only aim I am taking part in this campaign.

- After December 19, 2010 almost all leaders of opposition who stay at large, have stated that it is impossible to participate in the election while we have political prisoners. And now many of them say they are going to run in the election. What would you recommend them?

- To be honest. These people have chosen such a tactics – participation in this campaign. You are welcome, it’s your right. But why do I take the liberty to criticize them and think that I have a moral right for that? That’s because out of public view these people are saying that they won’t win the “election”, in this way they are getting ready for the next “election”, work out some grants. Ok, you have such a tactics. If you want to participate in this travesty, go ahead. But say honestly, why you are doing so. Explain that you are not seeking anything, you are participating to be on the same list with Lukashenka. Why are you saying one thing behind the scenes, and different things in your public speeches?