Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Five years behind bars, without loved ones – left only with memories of their former lives. So much has changed during this time. Many Belarusians have left their homes, changed jobs. Some have grown more interested in the Belarusian language, others have begun learning foreign ones. Some have become numb to others’ pain, while others have felt a renewed wave of compassion…
We have lost much and learned to live anew. But one thing remains unchanged: Wherever we are, we carry with us the memory of those imprisoned not for crimes but for their dignity – for their dreams of a different Belarus and their desire to take part in shaping their country’s future.
I’ve often heard from former political prisoners that one of their greatest fears is being forgotten. And I am certain that Belarusians have not forgotten Viktar, Eduard, or the hundreds of other political prisoners. We speak about them, and we continue to fight for each and every one”.
Photo: Viktar Babaryka’s campaign team
