Zmitser Bandarenka: People flee the country to avoid repression

The number of Belarusians leaving the country will only increase.

The statement was made by Zmitser Bandarenka, the coordinator of European Belarus civil campaign, in an interview with charter97.org. The politicians commented on the information that 116,000 Belarusians had EU residence permits last year.

“During the 2010 presidential campaign, I often heard from people that those elections were their last hope. Many said they would go abroad with their families if there were no changes. The theme was often raised in private conversations, especially among businessmen. The elections ended with a massive crackdown and a new economic disaster in 2011. It is not easy to blame those who decided to leave Belarus. Moreover, we know that the cleverest, most active and educated people, those ready to risk and able to think about the future of their family and their children,” Zmitser Bandarenka said.

The politician reminded that the number of Belarusians who left the country is much bigger.

“We see the trend: The number of people who received residence permit in the European Union has doubled for the last two years. Tens of thousands of Belarusians go to Canada. Many go to the US, legally and illegally. Even more people moved to Russia to work and live. It think the trend will continue,” the European Belarus coordinator said.

Zmitser Bandarenka stressed the main reason for fleeing the country is the crackdown by the authorities.

“It is impossible to realise your potential in dictatorial Belarus. The fact that Lukashenka has been in power for 19 years proves he is mentally ill. The situation will only deteriorate. Not only political opponents, but also businessmen and officials suffer from repression. Most people who moved abroad belong to these groups. People are just fleeing to avoid massive repression,” the politician said.