Twenty of the 123 people who were released on December 13 and expelled from Belarus arrived in Vilnius from Ukraine. Among them are politician Pavel Seviarynets and human rights defender Uladz Labkovich.
In Vilnius, the released prisoners were met by their relatives, volunteers, activists, and representatives of the democratic forces of Belarus.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the former prisoners to freedom and stressed that the struggle for those who remain behind bars continues:
“It is a great joy to see people who have endured prisons, pressure, and exile now free. Every such release is both a moment of happiness and a reminder of those who are still behind bars. We will do everything possible to ensure that every political prisoner in Belarus is freed. Ahead lies a long path of recovery, adaptation, and return to normal life”.
The evacuation, reception, and support of the released political prisoners became possible thanks to the joint efforts of numerous Belarusian and international initiatives, including A Country to Live In Foundation, BYSOL, the Viasna Human Rights Center, Ineedhelpby, Dissidentby, the Da Voli Association, the National Anti-Crisis Management, Dapamoga, Volnyja, the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, Khochu Zhit, Pavel Latushka’s foundation, and many others, coordinated with the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Ukraine, Representatives of the United Transitional Cabinet for Social Policy and National Security, and the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Lithuania and Poland continue to provide significant assistance.
Support for the released prisoners – from medical and psychological care to assistance with documentation and temporary adaptation – is ongoing.
