Mikalai Autukhovich makes a call for solidarity

Recently a number of democratic activists of Mahilyou region received letters from a political prisoner Mikalai Autukhovich from Hrodna prison Nr 1. In his letters the prisoner calls upon representatives of the democratic community to show solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners, Vyasna human rights centre informs.

“I have received a letter from Mikalai Autukhovich on April 9,” said a journalist from Byalynichy Barus Vyrvich. “Mikalai writes: “I know, there are many problems in the country, but I am happy that not many people are left who still believe thin stories. It would be good if they were saying something, and not just kept silent. Solidarity is our strength. They fear solidarity, but everything depends on it! It should be understood, that’s all!”

Mikalai Autukhovich writes about solidarity in his letters to Babrujsk democratic activists Volha Pimanova and Valyantsina Hlukhava as well. They received the letters last week. In his letter to Volha Pimanava Mikalai Autukhovich writes: “Unfortunately, there is no mass solidarity seen, even when Syarhei Kavalenka is ready to sacrifice his life. Are such sacrifices needed to make people open their eyes? People have fear to open their eyes, they fear even to show that they are able to see. The authorities have won tacit consent of people for any lawlessness. People do not understand that it is better to say “no” now, then to wait for their family members, relatives to find themselves in distress… But as long as there are discontented people, people who care, the hope will dwell in our hearts,” the political prisoner writes.

In his letter to Valyantsina Hlukhava Mikalai Autukhovich asks the political activist to offer moral support his mother: “I am concerned for my family, my mother. It is much harder for them than for us here. If you or other caring people have an opportunity to offer moral support to my mother, please do that, from time to time,” Mikalai Autukhovich writes.

Activists of pro-democracy organizations of Mahilyou region believe that it is very important to express one’s support and solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners during Easter, a joyful Christian holiday.