Statement in the case of Siarhei Kavalenka

Polish non-governmental organisations involved in international development cooperation and supporting democracy in Belarus as part of the “Zagranica” Group’s Working Group on Belarus voice their vigorous objection to the guilty verdict against the Belarusian political activist Siarhei Kavalenka,  and express concern about his life.

Mr Kavalenka started a hunger strike in the protest against his unfair detention. He was imprisoned for putting out a white-red-white flag used by the democratically-inclined part of the Belarusian society who support the country’s independence movement. His sentencing to 25 months in prison for voicing political views is another manifestation of the suppression of civil liberties in Belarus.

We called on the Belarusian authorities to release Siarhei Kavalenka immediately and unconditionally. We also urge the release and rehabilitation of all the remaining political prisoners.

Working Group on Belarus at the “Zagranica” Group
Belarusian Information House, Belarusian Historical Society, Pedro Arrupe Formation Center for Educational Leaders, Angelus Silesius House, the Stefan Batory Foundation, “Krzyżowa” Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, the ‘Free Belarus’ Initiative, Young Artists Association ‘Ku Teatrowi’, Belarusian Association in Kraków.