The Behavior of the So-Called Human Rights Defenders Is a Betrayal

What's the point in a court order that no one trusts?

Andrei Sharenda, an activist of the civil campaign European Belarus from Brest, spoke harshly on Facebook about Belarusian human rights defenders:

- Today, Siarhei Budkin called on the human rights community to open their eyes and recognize Ihar Bantser as a political prisoner. Ihar's life is now in danger. Human rights defenders are also to blame for this. I used to think that the bureaucracy was to blame for everything, but now I see that this is just beastliness and betrayal.

On my own behalf, I would like to add that my wife Palina, like Ihar Bantser, was also not recognized as a political prisoner. And they will not admit it until the verdict. Alas, our so-called human rights defenders need a court order. A vessel that no one trusts. The fact that someone may simply not live up to this verdict does not bother them. Now, there are hundreds in a situation like Palina and Ihar, maybe thousands of people. Human rights activists simply decided not to notice them.

Palina devoted her whole life to Belarus. Now she pays off with her time behind bars and health for our common cause. Despite the psychological and physical pressure, I know she can handle it. She is strong, indestructible!

I am offered to write letters, appeals, and petitions, but I will not. This will not bring us any closer to victory. Let this petty betrayal remain on the conscience of the so-called human rights defenders.