Zhana Litvina: “We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Ales Bialiatski and putting an end to harassment of Belarusian human rights defenders”

Zhana Litvina, Chairperson of the Belarusian Association of Journalists, commented on the detention of a BAJ member, human rights defender Ales Bialiatski.

"The fact that human rights activists became in the center of repression following politicians and journalists is absolutely logical. They took care of hundreds of politically repressed people and their relatives in Belarus, helping the people to overcome their grief, confusion and helplessness ... Its self-sacrificing work, which requires a high level of professionalism, and our human rights defenders cope with it very well.

Human Rights Center Viasna is an organization that is well known throughout the world. Since 2004 it is a member of the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH). It’s Chairperson, Ales Bialiatski is vice-president of FIDH.

Ales is a fearless and principled man. Neither he nor his colleagues are never afraid to publicly defend their views, for which he has repeatedly been brought to justice. This openness and firmness give hope that Ales will adequately answer this challenge.

We urge the authorities to immediately release Ales Bialiatski and stop the persecution of the Belarusian human rights defenders. Today, the entire human rights community should consolidate around these requirements," – said Zhana Litvina.