“Belarus lost one of its most talented and fearless sons last night. Politically imprisoned artist Ales Pushkin died in intensive care under unexplained circumstances. The report came from Ales’ wife Janina.
Ales was imprisoned for his work, which embodied the Belarusian people's indomitable spirit. He dreamed of a free and democratic Belarus. And now we must continue Ales' work together and make his dream come true.
I am asking everyone possessing any information on Ales' death to share it with his wife, independent media, or human rights defenders. No one must die in prison. We will keep seeking the truth.
Lukashenka and his regime bear responsibility for every political prisoner's death as they uphold inhumane conditions within prisons. How many more individuals must die behind bars before the regime initiates dialogue with society and releases people from prison?
I offer my sincere condolences to Ales' wife, his relatives, and friends. The memory of Ales and his art will remain with us forever.”
