Appeal of HRC “Viasna” to Siarhei Kavalenka

The Human Rights Center “Viasna” issued an urgent appeal to Siarhei Kavalenka, who has been keeping a hunger-strike for 57 days already. Here’s the full text of the address:

Dear Siarhei!

We are watching Your brave deed in the form of hunger-strike and Your struggle for Your convictions behind bars with a great concern. We urge You to stop the hunger-strike as soon as possible, as far as the present authorities respect neither Your convictions, nor Your life. We consider that Your persecution has solely political motivation and urge You to save Your health for the wife, the children, Belarus and its future.

If Your verdict will include imprisonment we will struggle for Your release from jail, as well as for the release of every political prisoner. The present authorities have committed many crimes already, but You needn’t sacrifice Yourself in such a way.

You have already proved Your courage, firmness and adherence to principles, that’s why we would be very grateful if you listened to our request and stopped the hunger-strike.

Respectfully,
the Human Rights Center “Viasna”