Belarus Opposition Leader Mikalai Statkevich Behind Bars — Today’s 800th Day

The Belarusian politician spent more than 10 years in prison in total.

Today, August 9, marks exactly 800 days since the leader of the Belarusian opposition Mikalai Statkevich was put behind bars.

Mikalai Statkevich was illegally detained on May 31, 2020 on his way to the Kamarouski market in Minsk, where at that time Belarusians lined up in huge queues to sign for alternative presidential candidates.

On December 14, 2021, Mikalai Statkevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison in a special regime colony. The unlawful verdict was announced in the pre-trial detention center in Homel, the trial was held behind closed doors.

Even while in prison, Mikalai Statkevich remains a symbol of fortitude for Belarusians. The politician continues to inspire and support his compatriots who are at large.

“Now the Belarusian people know that they are for changes, for a change of power, people want freedom. Belarusians have opened their eyes on what the current power was. I don't think that the regime, which is absolutely illegitimate in our and the world community's eyes, the economic regime that is not self-sufficient will be able to maintain control for a long time,” Mikalai Statkevich told the Deutsche Welle journalists.

For his unparalleled courage in resisting the regime, the Belarusian politician has been imprisoned for more than 10 years.

The Charter97.org website has repeatedly drawn attention to the fact that one of the main tasks in Belarus today is to release Mikalai Statkevich and other political prisoners.