Springtime is Viasna time! In April, celebrate Viasna's birthday with us!
Event by Östgruppen in support of Viasna members
On April 26, Viasna whose name means ‘spring’ in Belarusian celebrates its 27th birthday. However, this occasion is marred by the long jail terms of six members of the organization. Ales Bialitski, Valiantsin Stefanovic, Uladzimir Labkovich, Leanid Sudalenka, Marfa Rabkova, and Andrei Chapiuk remain behind bars, while others had to run and continue their important work from abroad. Repressions in Belarus never stop. Every day, peaceful citizens are arrested, detained in custody, and tortured.
“We have not lived our lives in vain, we have prepared our successors. New generations of Belarusian human rights defenders emerged and they continue our work. The natural course of life cannot be stopped. Winter is followed by spring and Spring will inevitably come,” said Valiantsin Stefanovic in his final speech in court.
And it will indeed! Everyone who is committed to the cause of human rights, who stands by the principles of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination, and who respects the individual thus continuing the work of our imprisoned colleagues. Viasna remains active and has been helping Belarusians in their struggle for rights for 27 years, despite severe repression and pressure from the regime.
Our strength is in our solidarity. There are many ways to join the celebration and support Viasna human rights defenders:
- Make a donation or become our patron on Patreon
- Send a postcard or letter of solidarity to jailed human rights defenders. It is also possible to submit your text online
- Leave words of support or congratulations on the virtual board
- Devote a poem, song, drawing, or any other artwork to Viasna. Please send it to viasna@spring96.org and post it on social media using the hashtag #FreeViasna
- Join our team of volunteers and change the world for the better
- Think of your own way to support Viasna and share it with us
How to support jailed Viasna members
Letters or postcards of solidarity can be sent to the following addresses:
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- SIZA-1, 220030, Belarus, Minsk, vulica Valadarskaha 2
Aliaksandr Viktaravich Bialiatski /Valiantsin Kanstantsinavich Stefanovic / Uladzimir Mikalayevich Labkovich - Penal colony No. 4. 246035, Homieĺ, vulica Antoshkina 3
Maryia Aliaksandrauna Rabkova - Penal colony No. 22. 225295, Brest region, Ivacevičy, station Damanava, PO Box 20
Andreі Siarheyevich Chapiuk - Penal colony No. 3. 211322, Viciebsk region, Vićba
Leanid Leanidavich Sudalenka
- SIZA-1, 220030, Belarus, Minsk, vulica Valadarskaha 2
