Lack of unified position on sanctions prevents release of political prisoners – activist

December 2, Pozirk. Belarusian opposition does not have a unified strategy to secure the release of political prisoners, Taćciana Chomič has told the participants of the Coordination Council hearings in Warsaw.

Her sister, a prominent opposition politician Maryja Kaleśnikava, is currently serving a lengthy prison term in Belarus on charges widely seen as politically motivated.

Chomič identified two scenarios for the release of political prisoners. The most popular one, according to her, foresees increased pressure on Alaksandar Łukašenka’s regime, with minimal contacts and strengthened sanctions. In this scenario, the lack of official communication between Minsk and the West makes it impossible to discuss the release of political prisoners.

Negotiations are less popular, even though this scenario prioritizes the release of prisoners, she noted. Supporters of this strategy reportedly believe in small steps, such as the release of several political prisoners in exchange for small concessions on sanctions. However, this option is based on compromises and could harm the opposition’s image, Chomič noted.

In all, different positions on sanctions prevent the release of political prisoners and confuse international partners who could help to change the status quo, the activist concluded.

At the same time, both strategies are united by a common understanding that all political prisoners should be released, Chomič said, noting that continued crackdown should be punished with new sanctions while lifting of existing restrictions should be linked to the release of political prisoners.