Today marks a poignant two-year anniversary since the unjust conviction of three dedicated members of Viasna, Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovic, and Uladzimir Labkovich, who were sentenced to lengthy prison terms following a trial marred by false accusations. The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (FIDH-OMCT) renews its urgent appeal for their immediate liberation and an end to the persecution of all human rights advocates in Belarus.
On March 3, 2023, the Lieninski District Court in Minsk, presided over by Judge Maryna Zapasnik, delivered staggering sentences of ten, nine, and seven years to Bialiatski, Stefanovic, and Labkovich, respectively. The charges against them—“smuggling by an organised group” and “financing of group actions grossly violating public order”—have been widely condemned as fabricated, with their sentences upheld during an appeal in April 2023.
The trio was arrested on July 14, 2021, amidst coordinated raids targeting human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society groups, leading to their lengthy pre-trial detention under deplorable conditions that have severely impacted their health. This crackdown follows the civil unrest spurred by the controversial 2020 Presidential elections, during which Belarusian authorities obliterated all independent human rights organisations, leaving the country devoid of lawful human rights advocates.
Viasna, a prominent human rights organisation in Belarus, has tirelessly defended human dignity and democracy, earning accolades such as the Right Livelihood Award in 2020 and the Albie Award in 2022. Additionally, Viasna members Marfa Rabkova and Andrei Chapiuk face their own unjust detentions, serving sentences of 15 and 6 years, respectively, while Leanid Sudalenka has only recently been released after a full three-year term.
In a strong denunciation, the Observatory condemns the wrongful convictions and ongoing detentions of these activists and calls for immediate action against the politically driven harassment they continue to suffer. It is imperative that the Belarusian authorities annul their sentences and release all politically imprisoned individuals. The Observatory also implores the international community to ensure justice and redress for those unjustly imprisoned in Belarus, thus supporting the fight for fundamental human rights.
Founded in 1997, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders strives to protect those at risk for advocating human rights, working in tandem with FIDH and OMCT, members of ProtectDefenders.eu, the EU Human Rights Defenders Mechanism.
Today marks two years since Viasna members Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovic, and Uladzimir Labkovich were unjustly sentenced following a trial based on fabricated charges. The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders calls for their immediate release and condemns the ongoing political persecution in Belarus, echoing the plight of many human rights activists. Viasna remains a beacon of hope despite the crackdown on civil society in the country.
The tragic sentences of Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovic, and Uladzimir Labkovich highlight the severe repression of human rights in Belarus. As Viasna continues its vital role in advocating for human rights, it faces relentless persecution. The need for solidarity and international support is critical to ensure their release and uphold the principles of justice and human dignity in Belarus.
Original Source: www.omct.org
