Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today is Viktar Babaryka's birthday. But, like thousands of Belarusians, he can't celebrate his birthday surrounded by his loved ones, and for the third time he has to celebrate it behind bars. Eduard Babaryka, held hostage by the regime only as revenge on his father for his desire to help Belarusians get out of the economic crisis and build a decent state for future generations, will not get a chance to hug his father and wish him a Happy Birthday.
I want to express my great respect for Mr. Babaryka’s courage and integrity. I do not know him personally, but I am know his team well. They are incredibly hard-working, active people who continue to work for the common goal and make our movement stronger. For many people it was Mr. Babaryka who helped us believe in our potential and see that a change in Belarus is possible and even inevitable.
I often recall his phrase: “We don't choose the times we live in. But we do choose the path we have to take”. We have chosen our path, and we will not give up.
Today I would like to wish Mr. Babaryka to find the strength to preserve himself through these difficult conditions and come back home to his loved ones soon”.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya urged Belarusians to send letters to Viktar Babaryka. From abroad, it is possible through the Solidarity Postcards Atelier initiative. Mr. Babaryka’s address may be found on his personal page at the Viasna Human Rights Center website.
