Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “After seven months of imprisonment, the Belarusian activist and movie director has been released from detention. Seven months ago, Andrei Hniot was detained at the request of Belarusian security forces. The activist was placed on an Interpol wanted list on trumped-up charges of tax evasion.
For now, Andrei is under house arrest but I am happy that he can finally be at home. This is the result of extensive joint efforts by EU diplomats, Belarusian politicians, lawyers, and civil society organizations. Together, we have demonstrated that the persecution of activists who have opposed the Lukashenka regime is an unacceptable practice that violates fundamental democratic principles and human rights.
At the same time, I urge the Serbian authorities not to extradite Andrei to Belarus and to cease his persecution by lifting all restrictions, releasing him from house arrest, and allowing him to leave the country independently. I am confident that EU countries will support the Belarusian activist and assist in his legalization of stay within their territories”.
