Lithuania, Estonia support Belarusians striving for democracy

May 21, BPN. “While [Alaksandr] Łukašenka continues to persecute the brave people who stand up for democracy we should be increasing sanctions, not rewarding the tyrant for his tyranny,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has tweeted on the day of solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners.

Estonia shares the sorrow of thousands of political prisoners in Belarus, its foreign ministry said calling for their unconditional and immediate release and condemning the “organizers of these repressions.”

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna wrote an open letter to jailed former presidential hopeful Viktar Babaryka.

“Running for the presidency, you were aware of the risks, yet took them anyway,” he wrote. “You were and still are an inspiration for the Belarus people who desire free elections, yet get bloody repressions instead.”

The world has not forgotten about Belarusian political prisoners, the diplomat said. “I am convinced that soon democracy will win and the heroes will walk free to build up Belarus belonging to the European family,” he stressed.