Human rights defender Siarzhuk Sys comments on the Russian wanted list: "It is better not to visit some CIS countries now"

In six months, 773 Belarusian citizens appeared on the Russian wanted list. It includes more than 3,500 people in total. Mediazona has updated the list of Belarusians who are wanted in Russia (and therefore in Belarus). Earlier, we noted that several Belarusian human rights defenders were added to the list: Natallia Satsunkevich, Leanid Sudalenka, Ihar Kazmerchak, Maryia Tarasenka, Uladzimir Khilmanovich, Zmitser Salauyou, Alena Masliukova. Now Viasna human rights activist, journalist, and poet Siarzhuk Sys has also been put on the wanted list. Viasna activist spoke about his reaction to the news about his inclusion in the Russian wanted list.

"Today I learned that Russia has recently added 700 new Belarusians to its wanted list, including me. It is clear that the news is not the most pleasant, but it was not a surprise. Back in early September, I was informed through third parties that there had been a call from the criminal investigation department, and they were asking about my whereabouts. They also questioned my relatives in different cities. They said that I had already been put on the wanted list.

I do not see any particular threat in this procedure. However, I keep in mind that it is better not to visit not only Russia, but also some CIS countries now to avoid problems. For example, Belarusians are often detained in Armenia, and it's good that they haven't been extradited yet, but the detention itself costs a lot of nerves. Unfortunately, this is the case.

One thing is strange — I'm not hiding. I'm also engaged in public activities, I write posts on social media, so I'm sure that the security forces know where I live now. And these technical actions are designed only to spoil the mood a little. But on the other hand, it's good that they are expanding the list, because people now know what awaits them in Russia and in countries like Vietnam and Serbia."

Russia puts Belarusian human rights defenders on wanted list

Who are these activists and how did they react to this news?