Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Four years ago, the regime imprisoned two brave and talented Belarusians – Viktar and Eduard Babaryka.
How long does it take for people to forget their heroes? ‘A month or two, and no one will remember them’, – this is probably what the regime’s henchmen think when they deprive people of their freedom. But Belarusians will never abandon the people willing to sacrifice for the sake of a better Belarus.
The regime takes away political prisoners’ freedom, health, family, and friends. But it will not take away their dignity and resilience. The regime isolates them from the outside world, which means they have not changed their views – and still firmly believe in us, Belarusians.
Yes, during this time, we have faced many horrors: violence, persecution, emigration, repression, war. This makes us want to distance ourselves, withdraw into a shell, avoid the news about the latest arrests, and forget the names of the perpetrators. But in such moments, we must remember our heroes. Those who, even in terrible conditions, every day stand by their beliefs. And we cannot betray them.
My dear friends! Every drop of support flows into a great sea of hope. Every message gives an understanding that people at liberty are looking for ways to help and free every political prisoner.
Send letters, postcards, and parcels to prisons. Do everything you can to stay connected with the peoplethe regime tortures with imprisonment and forced labor. I know very well how much strength and inspiration your support gives – and I urge you to continue supporting political prisoners”.
