Pavel Seviarynets: No Dialogue Between West, Lukashenka Without Termination Of Repression

There should be no illusions with regard to the current Belarusian regime.

A human rights defense forum “Freedom to Political Prisoners” was held in Minsk. According to Co-Chairman of the Belarusian Christian Democracy Pavel Seviarynets, it was aimed to coincide with the ‘Minsk Dialogue”, during which representatives of the European democratic countries are holding discussion with both members of the Belarusian civil society and the representatives of the authorities, including Lukashenka, Radio Racyja reports.

“Herein, the theme of political prisoners, repressions, and human rights in Belarus has not been voiced at this event,” - Pavel Seviarynets stated.

“We are convinced that without release of political prisoners, without termination of repression – no dialogue between the West and Lukashenka is acceptable. We address to all human rights defenders, politicians, diplomats, European in the first place, as we have long lost all illusions with regard to the Belarusian regime.

The release of political prisoners and the termination of repression should be a prerequisite for the dialogue. In 2015, 6 political prisoners were released and the dialogue started. We understand and support this. But today, there are 9 political prisoners in Belarus already.”

Pavel Seviarynets reminded that the representatives of the society recognize the following people as political prisoners: Scviataslau Baranovich, Mikhail Zhamchuzhny, Dzmitry Palieynka, Ales Yurkoits, Taras Avatarau, Vadzim Boika, Illia Valavik, Dzmitry Tsekhanovich, Philip Ivanou, as well as leaders of the independent trade union REP Henadz Fiadynich and Ihar Komlik, who are now expecting trials.

“In a situation like this, it’s weird to hear the talks about the liberalization and cooperation of the Belarusian regime with the democratic West. We consider it unacceptable,” - Pavel Seviarynets underlined.