Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today Aleh Hulak, chairman of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, a prominent Belarusian, professional lawyer who has been steadfast in defending the rights of every person, passed away. It is hard for me to even comprehend this news, because only a week ago I met Aleh Hulak when the Nobel Prize was awarded to Ales Bialiatski. Aleh, as always, supported and encouraged others, joked and was very proud that the efforts of Belarusian human rights defenders were appreciated so highly.
At first I was amazed that people in such a challenging profession could be so easy-going and kind-hearted without losing these traits over decades. But people like Aleh made me understand that often it is those who see so much darkness that shine the brightest.
Aleh's death is a staggering loss. My heart is with Aleh Hulak's family, friends and colleagues today. He will be missed not only by us, but also by the future generations of Belarusians. The best thing we can do to honor his memory is continue the journey he took long before us. And be open and wise enough to ensure that democracy and freedom, which Aleh spent his life defending, have as many adherents as possible”.
