“Eduard Babaryka is spending his birthday behind bars for the fifth time. He is serving five years of unjust imprisonment as revenge for his father’s attempt to run in the election. Five years of punishment for wanting to build a country that reflects the dreams of a new generation, for striving to restore justice in a society that remains stagnant.
We have heard countless stories of the unbearable conditions in Belarusian prisons. We know about bans on correspondence, denial of medical care, inhumane treatment, and complete isolation from the outside world. Just imagining what political prisoners have to endure is terrifying.
Yet, Eduard and his father have shown us that even in the harshest conditions, one can remain human, holding on to resilience and kindness and believing that the struggle was not in vain. In his first years of imprisonment, Eduard took up drawing, practiced yoga, and read books on chess. I am certain that, despite the regime’s brutal attempts to break his will, he has not lost his humanity or determination.
On this day, I ask you to remember Eduard and all political prisoners whose lives have been shattered by the regime. Keep writing to them, supporting their families, and telling their stories to the world. Every step we take is a step toward the release of those unjustly imprisoned”.
