While launching the second day of the Stockholm Conference on Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke about Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, who was recently denied release after serving her full sentence.
“Yesterday, fearless Palina Sharenda Panasiuk, who fully completed her 4-year illegal sentence, was not released as she should have been. In prison, she was tortured and ill-treated. I call on the international community not to leave this unnoticed.
Each political prisoner is a symbol of hope and courage. I think every Belarusian participant in this room, has some friend or relative behind bars. And they must not feel abandoned. We must fight – every single day – for their release.
I am looking forward to the discussion today on political prisoners. We must support those who are behind bars, their families, and those, who served their terms already. Therefore, let me repeat my call to contribute to the International Humanitarian Fund for political prisoners, as Sweden and Norway have done already. At least 1600 people served their terms already, and need urgent help”.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also highlighted the importance of supporting independent media and youth initiatives. This issue was the focus of the conference’s second day.
