December 22, Pozirk. Speaking at a news conference in Vilnius on December 22, Belarus’ opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja stressed the need for continued pressure on the Alaksandar Łukašenka government to end repression in her country.
“This roller of repression is still running and getting stronger. We demand the full and unconditional release of all political prisoners and, most importantly, an end to repression. All politically-motivated criminal cases must be closed, and the released persons must have the right to choose to stay or leave [Belarus], and those exiled must have the opportunity to return home safely,” she said.
She stressed that governments should maintain sanctions to force the Belarusian regime to satisfy these demands.
Of the 123 prisoners released on December 13 in a deal between Łukašenka and the United States, 87 have been taken to Poland, two to Germany and 28 to Lithuania, including 7 holders of foreign citizenship, she said.
“These [prisoner] releases would not be possible without European pressure and American diplomacy,” she added.
