Mikalai Statkevich: Hopes for amnesty are stupidity and trap

Mikalai Statkevich, a former presidential candidate, had a short-term meeting with his father and wife  in Mahilou prison No. 4 on June 1.

The prisoner and his visitors were allowed to have a two-hour conversation  on the phone through a double glass barrier. According to Statkevich's wife Adamovivh, he looks normal. “He absolutely did not change psychologically. He is cheerful as usual and maybe got broader shoulders, because he does physical exercises a lot. He studies English,” Maryna Adamovich told BelaPAN.

She says the confinement regime for Statkevich may be changed from strict to ordinary in middle July. “He again faced fault-finding and received a warning. So, there are doubts if his regime will be changed,” politician's wife says.

Adamovich also says they managed to talk a few words about politics. “His position has not changed. It is the same that was in his letters. According to Mikalai, the opposition mixes up boycott of the election and non-participation. Boycott is possible only after results of the election are recognized invalid. It is impossible in the current situation in Belarus. The authorities should be presented with a choice: either to start changes or to continue brutal actions, which means a reduction in  economic inflow so vital for them,” Statkevich's wife says.

According to her, Statkevich gave advice not to fear the “fraction of General Zaitsau” (the KGB chief – BelaPAN), because it would soon discredit itself. “He asked to tell his friends, colleagues and acquaintances they should evade struggle. If they cannot struggle actively for some reasons, they should not hinder other people to act,” Adamovich noted.

Statevich advised her wife to be ready for any situation. “He thinks hopes for amnesty are stupidity and trap.” Adamovich stressed.

She says letters from Statkevich are not delivered as a rule, and those sent by registered mail are delivered empty.