Andrei Klimau: “I’m looking forward to next steps of the authorities towards the EU”

Political prisoner Andrei Klimau was released form Mazyr colony according to Lukashenka’s order of pardon. The politician has never asked to grant him pardon.

Klimau finds his sentence absurd – two years of imprisonment for article on the Internet where the regime saw “appeals to overthrow power.” The reason of his release is that the authorities decided to move forward to the European Union that is impossible without release of Prisoners of Conscience, the former political prisoner said in the interview to the Charter’97 press center.

Andrei, why were you released? Do you have any ideas?

– I myself am surprised and shocked. I was guessing there were some activities in this direction, the authorities were negotiating with the West on release of political prisoners. Some people have been released. But when I had read Lukashenka’s speech published in the newspaper “Savetskaya Belarus,” where he said a question with political prisoners is closed and it’s turn of the EU to act, I decided Kazulin, Zdzvizhkou and me had no hopes. Of course, I was upset. But then all of a sudden I was called to the colony administration and said my term had been reduced by the president’s order...

One can only suppose if it is a long-term programme of the current authorities and it’s objective is not only negotiations to save the regime, but rapprochement with the EU, and, probably, preparation for Belarus’ joining the EU. Naturally, I had great hopes the authorities will continue this movement to the humane relation to the political opponents, and Alyaksandr Kazulin and Alyaksandr Zdzvizhkou will be set free.

– Haven’t you lost hope Alyaksandr Kazulin will be released, too?

– I wish Alyaksandr Kazulin would be released. It would not only bring joy and relief to Kazulin and his relatives, but will influence positively the relations between our country and the EU.

– How can you comment on your arrest? You were arrested suddenly, accused of calling to overthrow the power in an article published on the Internet...

– It’s absurd to blame me of overthrow of the power, because as a deputy of the 13th Supreme Council I have always stand for Constitution and upheld the principle of law, irrespectively who is in power, who is in opposition. I was arrested and, moreover, sentenced to 2 years of maximum security. It was a shock for me and disappointment in life. I passed through stress and catharsis, I had to change my world view. I suddenly realised I didn’t understand in what country I live. I was broken morally, had a depression, but then I calmed down, I treated everything philosophically, and understood the case is not in me, my criticism of the authorities had affected private interests of some officials. If Lukashenka had begun his movement to the EU a year ago, it might have been more useful for the country.

– There was anxious information about your health deterioration in the prison.

– Yes, my general well-being has declined. I was in Minsk prison hospital on Kalvaryiskaya Street. I felt the consequences in the Mazyr colony. I had problems with heart, then I had some cold-related diseases. I had enough troubles. I’m going to solve problems with my health, maybe change climate for some time.

– Are you going to leave Belarus?

– No, of course. If only for treatment.

– Do you have any plans for the future?

– It’s yet hard for me to speak on this theme, as I don’t feel I am free. It’s hard for me to get used to a status of non-prisoner. Maybe this complex of prisoner will disappear, and I will be able to think about my future activity and begin to make some plans. Now I am looking forward to next positive steps of the authorities towards the EU, and I will probably make my plans for future in accordance to it.

– Is it important for the authorities to move to the EU?

– I have felt on my experience, the authorities are moving in right direction. It is a rather good way out for all of us. Moving to the EU, using the chance of joining the EU.