Katsyaryna Statkevich: I was frightened by what happened to Volha Klaskouskaya

On May 10 Mikalai Statkevich’s daughter Katsyaryna made a report on the situation in Belarus at the session of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) faction in the Bundestag.

Before her presentation a joint press-conference with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a former Foreign Minister of Germany. Currently he is the leader of the SPD opposition in the Bundestag. The topic of the conference and report was dedicated to the trial over Mikalai Statkevich, which is to start on May 11.

Before that Katsyaryna Statkevich answered questions of Radio Svaboda.

Statkevich: Today I addressed the session of the SPD faction in the Bundestag. The aim of my report was to remind about the situation in Belarus and that not only a trial over my father is underway now, but other trials as well. Besides, I asked support of official Germany in the international arena and in concerning policy towards Belarus, attempts to influence the situation somehow.

Radkevich: What was the reaction to your speech?

Statkevich: I was listened to with great attention. I was even surprised by that, as when someone is delivering a speech in the Bundestag, some people are interested, some not. Today, when I was addressing the audience, there was a perfect silence, 180 deputies were listening to every word. The interest was great indeed. After my report there were questions and additions. For instance, Uta Zapf, who is engaged in Belarusian issues, took the floor and confirmed that it’s really important the German Social Democrats show support to my father. By the way, Uta Zapf wanted to come as an observer to the trial over my father, and she was denied visa today.

Radkevich: Tell us, have you taken part in the political life before, or have you been living Germany for a long time?

Statkevich: I live in Germany for 8 years, but I visit my home country regularly. I pursue science; I have finished a doctor’s thesis in Technical Sciences. I work for a machine manufacturing company. I have not been engaged in German politics yet.

Radkevich: The trial over your father starts tomorrow. How will you follow the proceedings? With which of your relatives in Belarus do you have immediate contact?

Statkevich: I know that my grandfather would not go to court probably, as father had been writing to him in every letter not to attend the court. He is very old, and there is no point in worrying him.

Radkevich: Have these trials influenced your intentions to return to Belarus I the near future?

Statkevich: They have influenced my plan to visit Belarus, which had been done by me rather regularly. What has happened to Volha Klaskouskaya, frightens me greatly. It is nightmare as such things could happen in the country which is situated in Europe in the 21st century. It is simply humiliating treatment of people. I do not plan visiting Belarus in the near future.