Belarus’ former prisoners urge EU to do more to secure dissidents’ release

October 26, Pozirk. More than 70 former Belarusian political prisoners have signed an open letter to the European Union and other democratic countries, urging them to step up efforts to secure the release of jailed critics of the Belarusian regime.

The document, dated October 20, calls for the use of every available means, including diplomacy, negotiations, pressure and incentives, as well as public and private engagement, provided these efforts are consistent and coordinated.

The issue should be on the agenda of every contact with Minsk and every discussion of the future of relations with Belarus, the letter stresses.

“Releases must be part of a lasting solution, not a one-off gesture,” it reads. “Those freed should not be forced into exile without the right to return, and those who remain should not live under the threat of re-arrest.”

Dialogue on people and values must include Belarusian society, the signatories say. “We urge the EU to listen to a broad range of Belarusian voices, including former political prisoners, and draw on their experiences when shaping policy,” they note.

European policy should prioritize the release of prisoners and an end to politically motivated reprisals in Belarus, the letter stresses.

The signatories include media manager Andrej Alaksandraŭ, politicians Maryja Kaleśnikava and Viktar Babaryka, human rights activist Marfa Rabkova and journalist Maryna Zołatava.

As of October 26, human rights defenders had identified at least 883 political prisoners in Belarus, but the actual number is considerably higher because many cases go undocumented.

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