Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: A political prisoner, Valiantsin Shtermer, has died behind bars. And as I try to express in words what I feel inside, nothing seems adequate.
How many more deaths must occur before the world finally understands the scale of the tragedy still unfolding in Belarus? Valiantsin was one of those who never should have ended up in prison. He was imprisoned not for a crime – but for his conscience, for truth, for dignity.
I didn’t know Valiantsin personally. But I understand he was a man of principle. I have no doubt he was loved and awaited at home.
We must not get used to death. We must not accept it as something routine. Every loss is a wound, a reminder of the responsibility we all bear – to those still in prison, to those who didn’t live to see freedom, and to those who are still fighting.
I express my sincere condolences to Valiantsin’s family and loved ones. We must keep fighting – for Valiantsin and for all who gave their lives for a free Belarus”.
