Cichanoŭskaja: Opposition to consider all kinds of negotiations to free political prisoners

January 12, BPN. Democratic forces “are ready to consider any form of negotiations” to secure the release of political prisoners, Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja has said, as quoted by her press office.

Her statement apparently comes in response to sporadic criticism from loved ones of some political prisoners in social media, suggesting that her office has not been doing enough.

More than 1,400 people have been declared political prisoners by human rights groups and thousands more might have been convicted on political grounds without human rights defenders being aware of it.

“The number is growing every month by about 100. Prisons humiliate human dignity, create unbearable detention conditions, and several Belarusians have already been driven to death in these conditions. There is a humanitarian list of those whose condition is critical right now, and who are not receiving treatment,” she said.

Cichanoŭskaja added that freeing political prisoners is a top priority of the democratic forces. “We support all initiatives and communities that defend the rights of political prisoners and unite the voices of their families.”

“We are ready to engage in dialogue with all interested parties at any time, including through negotiations with the regime’s representatives, to address the detention conditions and/or the release of political hostages. We use all possible contacts and platforms to start this dialogue,” she said.

The politician said these could be informal contacts as well as negotiations at international venues with external mediation. Mediator states or credible organizations could guarantee compliance with the eventual deal, she said.

“We are ready to work for the release of anyone and everyone who has suffered for their political position, as well as for a safe way to return to Belarus for those who were forced to flee repression,” she stressed.

On January 10, a newly created association of political prisoners’ relatives called on the international community to act more decisively for the release of their loved ones.

The initiative includes Maryja Kaleśnikava’s sister Taćciana Chomič, Iryna Słaŭnikava’s husband Alaksandr Łojka and the wife of Uładzimir Mackievič, Śviatłana Mackievič. At least 55 people have signed the address, including Kaciaryna Andrejeva’s husband Ihar Iljaš, Dzianis Ivašyn’s wife Volha Ivašyna, Ryhor Kastusioŭ’s daughter Halina Antončyk and former political prisoner Darja Čulcova.

On January 12, human rights activists reported that political prisoner Piotr Zinievič was released under amnesty. This is the first such case, and the authorities previously denied this was possible.