Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya calls on friends of Belarus to mark the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners on May 21. The call comes amid the release of many political prisoners secured through international efforts over the past year.
“We are deeply grateful to the U.S. government for negotiating the release of so many political prisoners. Thanks to President Donald Trump, special envoy John Coale, and Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher Smith. We are deeply grateful to our EU partners for also making it possible, receiving groups of released political prisoners, and helping them settle in exile.
But it’s not over yet. Over 845 political prisoners remain behind bars. New political hostages appear every single week. Lukashenka’s regime continues repression and doesn’t change its policy”.
Those imprisoned include activists, journalists, cultural workers, lawyers, IT specialists, and others persecuted for opposing the regime and supporting democratic change in Belarus. Among them are 22 imprisoned media workers, including Andrei Aliaksandrau, Dzianis Ivashyn, and Ihar Ilyash. In addition, 122 political prisoners are considered to be at heightened risk due to serious health conditions, age, or detention conditions.
The Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners is marked annually on May 21 in memory of Vitold Ashurak, the Belarusian activist who died in prison in 2021 after being severely beaten. Belarusian artist Ales Pushkin died in 2023 – doctors could not save him after he was brought from prison in critical condition, already unconscious. Due to the regime’s cruelty toward its hostages, Belarusians lost Mikalai Klimovich, Aliaksandr Kulinich, Ihar Lednik, Vadzim Khrasko, and Dzmitry Shletgauer. And there are cases when people die after being released, as their health had declined beyond recovery behind bars.
Moreover, the machine of repression does not stop. The conveyor belt of Lukashenka’s regime works every day, with human rights defenders adding new people to the lists of political prisoners every week. In April alone, human rights defenders added 36 people to the list of political prisoners. In March – 46.
Tsikhanouskaya reiterates calls for the release of all political prisoners, an end to political persecution, and safe conditions for Belarusians in exile to return home. She also calls for amnesty for more than 3,800 former political prisoners who continue to face the consequences of politically motivated prosecution.
“Do not stop your solidarity. Our fight continues, even though the names of new political prisoners may not be so well known to you. The humanitarian crisis is not over”, – says Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
To show that you #StandwithBelarus, you can:
Voice Solidarity: Share statements, tweets, and posts supporting Belarusians fighting for freedom and facing repression. Share news using #StandWithBelarus. Download official visuals here.
Show Visual Support: Display the national Belarusian white-red-white flag. Use banners, posters, or hashtags in public spaces.
Organize Events: Host discussions, seminars, exhibitions, cultural events, film screenings on Belarus.
Join Protests: Take part in or organize solidarity rallies with Belarusians abroad.
On Political Prisoners:
- Support the International Humanitarian Fund for victims of repression.
- Parliamentarians can become symbolic godparents via Politzek and Libereco.
- Learn more about political prisoners and repression in Belarus via Viasna. Write a letter to a political prisoner (also online): Viasna, Politzek.me, Dissidentby.
- Support released political prisoners via Volnyja.
On Accountability: Support the recent decision of the ICC to launch a probe into crimes against humanity committed by Lukashenka’s regime.
Aid Belarusian Volunteers in Ukraine: Support the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, and other Belarusians fighting in Ukraine.
Help Journalists: Provide legal and financial support through Reporters Without Borders, International Media Support (Safety Fund), and Belarusian Association of Journalists.
Donate to Key Initiatives: Support humanitarian aid, medicine, and protective gear via BYSOL, Free Belarus Center, Center for Belarusian Solidarity, A Country to Live In. Cooperate with Belarusian Human Rights House, Honest People, Belarusian Council for Culture, Razam DE, Razam Lithuania, Dapamoga, and Belarusian National Youth Council RADA.
