Alyaksandr Atroshchankau: “Economic sanctions are very strong mechanism”

Economic sanctions are a very strong mechanism, and it should not be disregarded, the former political prisoner believes.

A “European Belarus” coordinator, a former political prisoner Alyaksandr Atroshchankau has commented on the situation in Belarus-EU relations to “Narodnaya Volya” newspaper.

- Do to support the idea of economic sanctions and cancellation of the Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk?

- I believe it is a very effective and strong mechanism, and it should not be disregarded. Even discussions on the economic sanctions are very sensitive for the authorities, I experienced that first-hand when I was imprisoned in the KGB remand prison. When a session is being prepared where the issue of economic sanctions is discussed – everything is quiet, you are left alone, you spend time quietly. As soon as such a session is over, a decision is not adopted, tortures, pressure and threats start immediately.

- To your mind, what could be done by us, those who are at large, for the political prisoners and for their release?

- There is no universal recipe, people who are behind the bars always need any information, coverage, articles in newspapers, solidarity with them. One should realize that it is a great luxury for any nation. Now a murder of the elite is taking place in prisons in fact. And certainly, we should attract attention to unscrupulous moves of politicians, public figures, who for different reasons make compromises with their conscience, with the regime.