Tatsiana Reviaka: “Barys Zvozskau was not only an example of professionalism, but a friend of ours”

The death of prominent Belarusian human rights defender Barys Zvozskau is a great loss for Belarus.

Human rights defender Tatsiana Reviaka knew Barys Zvozskau for many years.

“He was a person of extreme finesse. I was impressed by his professionalism, thoroughness in every case he addressed. It was in these features that his character was manifested,” says Tatsiana Reviaka.

Baryz Zvozskau has worked much in the regions, taking part in meetings with activists and journalists. “He taught people how to resist unlawfulness, how to behave at interrogations and searches. And this was precious advice for people who have repeatedly found themselves in such situations,” says Mrs. Reviaka.

Barys Zvozskau was also a trainer at students’ summer human rights schools. Since 2000, he did a lot to open the Human Rights House in Belarus. Unfortunately, we did not succeed. The House was launched in Vilnius, and Barys Zvozskau became its first President.

“There are many things that will never be the same now, as Barys has passed away. The comments I keep receiving from our colleagues in the regions and abroad are full of sincere and deep mourn over Barys Zvozskau’s death, who was not only an example of professionalism, but a friend of ours. I spoke to his wife the day before yesterday. And she told me that when he was in intensive care she brought him a letter from Ales Bialiatski. She says he was deeply concerned about Ales who is still in prison. Meanwhile, he had but a few days to live then…”