Martin Uggla: Blacklist of Belarusian officials should be extended

The reduction of the EU sanctions list was a surprise.

Human rights defender Martin Uggla tells charter97.org how he assesses the activity of his organisation that marked the 10th anniversary yesterday and if it is possible to influence the formation of the blacklist of Belarusian officials.

– I am satisfied with the results of our decade-long work. We managed to achieve much, I think. We spread information about human rights situation in Belarus among public members, journalists and politicians. In my opinion, it was worth it. Few people do it in Sweden, so, I think, it is our achievement.

– Did you manage to change the attitude towards and the level of awareness about our country in Swedish society and in Western Europe?

– I must say that the Swedes who follow international events and events in Belarus understand more or less how the situation in Belarus looks like. It is very important. Political decisions depend on it, too.

– A decision was taken recently to extend sanctions against Belarusian officials, but the blacklist was reduced. What do you think about this decision of the EU?

– On the one hand, it is good that the sanctions were extended. On the other hand, I was surprised to learn that the sanctions list was reduced. It's not the right time for the move, and I am concerned about it. I think the blacklist should be extended rather than reduced. These steps look like a signal that the situation in Belarus has improved, but actually, repressions are under way. I cannot give reasons for such an unfortunate decision. For example, the judge who delivered politically motivated verdicts was removed from the list. Why? Repressions against activists – Yury Rubtsou, Pavel Vinahradau – go on. Steady well-defined pressure on the Belarusian regime should be continued, but I have the impression that the reverse process is taking place.

– Does Östgruppen have real influence on European officials who take decisions on Belarus?

– Actually, it is one of our main goals. We try to influence political decisions both in Sweden and in the EU. We try to follow developments and demand that the government and the EU have a more principled policy on Belarus. It seems there's a tendency in Europe that officials think only about Ukraine and other principled issues were put on the back burner. We will try to exert influence to keep the position on your country firm because it is the only thing that really works.