Yury Khashchavatski: I Know They Will Always Tell Me Truth At Charter’97

The Charter’97 was not only an initiative, but also an intellectual club.

On November 10, 1997, a document “Charter’97” was first published. It claimed that Belarusians “will not tolerate arbitrariness, disregard of laws, crimes against the whole nation and a person, committed by the authorities; and are ready to fight for their rights and freedoms, for the restoration of legality and democracy in the country, together.”

The website charter97.org continues publication of interviews with the people who created the Charter’97 20 years ago. Renown director of documentaries Yury Khashchavatski answers our questions today:

— You stand at the origins of the Charter’97 civil initiative. Do you remember how it all started?

— I remember the day when Piotr Martsau called me to his office, and there were Dzmitry Bandarenka and Mikalai Khalezin there already. They explained me the idea and I supported it with great enthusiasm. The inititative Charter’97 set noble missions and goals, noble and mentally strong people founded it. I am happy and proud that I was one of the first who had been offered to sign this document.

— Over 100 thousand Belarusians signed the document Charter’97. What has this initiative become for them?

— The Charter'97 became an instrument and a way of uniting Belarusians. It turned into a powerful center of attraction, which connected people, ready to fight the Lukashenka regime. Signing this initiative meant that you are against the lies and hypocrisy that reign in Belarus. Continuity played an important role in this initiative. The Charter'97 was created following the example of the Czechoslovak Charter'77. All this together gave great optimism.

— What does the Charter’97 mean for you personally?

— It means a lot. A circle of my allies, the people with whom I could be sure we are on the same page in political life, greatly expanded. I knew that any time I needed advise, or someone to talk to, or support — I could always find it at the Charter.

I will give you a simple example: when I was planning to go to Moscow for an interview with Lev Novozhenov, I understood that political issues would arise. Before the trip I called Andrei Sannikov, who had a perfect knowledge of the then political agenda. We talked, he enlightened me for hours. If I needed a consultation on economics, I could turn to Piotr Martsau.

The Charter'97 was not only an initiative, but also an intellectual club. If I needed advice, I always addressed to these people, I knew that they would tell me the truth, they would not flatter, they would always give their criticisms. It is very important.