US launches initiative to support Belarusian political prisoners

January 12, BPN. The United States has announced the launch of Without Just Cause (WJC) initiative to support political prisoners around the world, including in Belarus.

It aims to “raise international awareness of the plight of political prisoners and their families, and to advocate for the release of all individuals worldwide who are detained unfairly,” the US Department of State said.

“The individuals highlighted in this initiative are emblematic of the many political prisoners held by governments in every region of the world,” its press office said, noting that many are imprisoned for peaceful protest, exposing corruption, or critical reporting and are subjected to torture and other forms of abuse.

Some states abuse their legal systems and accuse peaceful protestors or opposition activists on trumped-up charges of “terrorism,” “extremism,” “cybercrime,” “deliberate distortion of the news,” or “hooliganism,” the press release said, noting a lack of legal protection and flawed judiciary.

The initiative’s page features short stories of 16 political prisoners from Belarus, including blogger Ihar Łosik and prominent regime critic Maryja Kaleśnikava.

The Without Just Cause initiative will receive support on all levels, from Washington, DC to the US embassies abroad, with the participation of political prisoner advocates, family members, and NGOs.