Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I talk about political prisoners in Belarus at every international meeting. I explain that Belarus has found itself in a situation where human rights and basic freedoms are violated daily. Our compatriots, both men and women, who dared to stand up against the regime, are imprisoned in unbearable conditions.
I always pay special attention to our political prisoners kept incommunicado, meaning they have no contact with their families or the outside world.
You know that this issue is particularly personal for me. The regime has kept my husband, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, out of public sight for 527 days. Our children ask about their father every day, and all I can do is comfort them with the hope that he will soon come back home.
Unfortunately, my husband is not the only one kept incommunicado:
– Siarhei Tsikhanouski has been incommunicado for 527 days
– Ihar Losik for 544 days
– Maryia Kalesnikava for 549 days
– Mikalai Statkevich for 554 days
– Maksim Znak for 555 days
– Viktar Babaryka for 558 days
– Uladzimir Kniha for 346 days
And these are not just numbers! Each day they spend in solitary confinement in a punishment cell, where there is no heating, where they are not allowed to lie down on what some call a bed, and where they spend every family celebration away from their loved ones.
19 political prisoners have been released this year. And this indeed is a great joy for all of us.
International support is invaluable in this struggle. We urge international organizations, governments, and regular people around the world to look at what is happening in Belarus. Their efforts and sanctions against the regime contribute to the release of our heroes and the restoration of justice.
Belarusians’ support is equally important. I understand that for many, it may be dangerous. But even the simplest acts of solidarity make a difference. So if you can, write letters to prisoners, participate in peaceful protests, or simply share information about political prisoners.
We need strength and unity in the fight for freedom and justice. Each of us contributes to this common cause, and together, we will prevail”.
