On the anniversary of the sentence handed down to well-known human rights defenders Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovic, and Uladzimir Labkovich, the human rights community issued a statement calling on the international community and demanding that the authorities of Belarus make every possible effort to ensure the unconditional release and rehabilitation of all political prisoners in Belarus.
Two years ago, a verdict was passed on four members of Viasna Human Rights Center. For their peaceful activities in defense and promotion of human rights, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Viasna leader Ales Bialiatski, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, FIDH Vice-President Valiantsin Stefanovic to 9 years, Uladzimir Labkovich to 7 years, and Dzmitry Salauyou to 8 years (in absentia).
The verdict against these human rights defenders became the embodiment of the destructive policy of the Aliksandr Lukashenka’s regime towards representatives of civil society, including dissidents and political opponents. Since the beginning of the 2020 election campaign, more than 3,760 people have been recognized as political prisoners, and 1,231 of them are still in detention. More than 7,000 people have been sentenced to various forms of punishment on criminal charges, and tens of thousands have faced administrative persecution. Currently, against the backdrop of political repression and the liquidation of nearly two thousand NGOs, there are no registered human rights organizations left in the country. More than forty journalists and media worker are in prison.
There is growing concern about the numerous cases of human rights defenders and journalists being sentenced in absentia on arbitrary charges of imprisonment and fines.
We have previously stated and reiterate that our colleagues, including those convicted on other charges – Maryia Rabkova, Anastasiya Loyka, and Andrei Chapiuk – were solely engaged in peaceful activities to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms in Belarus, as guaranteed by the country’s constitution and its international human rights obligations.
We consider the anniversary of the verdict against the human rights defenders, including the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, as an opportunity to remind the public, the Belarusian authorities, the international community, and politicians that it is unacceptable for anyone to be imprisoned for political reasons, especially those who suffer more and are more vulnerable due to their health, age and other circumstances.
We welcome the release of all persons imprisoned for political reasons, regardless of the reasons for such release. We are confident that, in addition to ending unjust imprisonment, such releases will alleviate both the physical and moral suffering of individuals and their families, and in some cases literally prolong or save lives.
We emphasize:
- The conditions of detention of politically persecuted persons in Belarusian prisons can in most cases be qualified as cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment and punishment (prohibited treatment);
- The systematic and widespread use of torture and ill-treatment;
- Denial of medical care is often used by the authorities as a form of pressure on political prisoners;
- At least 7 political prisoners have died in detention, and some (known) individuals are in critical condition;
- A number of actions by the authorities in the context of political persecution related to the 2020 elections and the subsequent protests may, according to the UN, be classified as crimes against humanity.
We specifically note that the value of every human life is a critical part of the concept of human rights, on which any truly democratic society, as opposed to authoritarian regimes, is built. The value of every life derives from the inherent dignity of every human being, which is also enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966, the European Convention on Human Rights of 1951, and the founding documents of the European Union.
We call on the international community and urge the authorities of Belarus to make every effort to ensure the unconditional release and rehabilitation of all political prisoners in Belarus: the right to life, personal liberty, and security, freedom from torture and other prohibited forms of treatment, are universally recognized and inalienable rights. Their protection and observance are obligations of States under international law.
Addressing the Belarusian authorities, we urge them to show foresight in overcoming the national crisis. The release of political prisoners could be a starting point for restoring the rule of law in Belarus and strengthening its sovereignty in the face of the complex geopolitical situation in recent years.
At the same time, we continue to call for an uncompromising fight against impunity for crimes against humanity and other serious and widespread human rights violations, strengthening the relevant mechanisms and institutions at the global, regional, and national levels.
Viasna Human Rights Center;
Belarusian Helsinki Committee;
Barys Zvozskau Belarusian Human Rights House;
Belarusian PEN;
Lawtrend;
Legal Initiative;
Respect-Protect-Fulfill.
