Ales Bialiatski Turns 61 Today

This is the third birthday in a row that Ales is celebrating behind bars.

The founder and head of the human rights center “Viasna” Ales Bialiatski turned 61 on September 25. This is the third birthday in a row that Ales is celebrating behind bars.

“Over the years of his activity, Ales has been awarded numerous prizes and awards, he is the author of several books, and last year the human rights activist won the Nobel Peace Prize. This is the third, and given the previous imprisonment, already the sixth, birthday that Bialiatski will celebrate behind bars,” write his colleagues from Viasna.

The founder and director of the human rights center “Viasna” was detained on July 14, 2021. He was accused of “smuggling” and “financing group actions that grossly violate public order,” and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Ales Bialiatski did not admit guilt under any of the charges brought by the court.

In December 2022, already behind bars, Ales Bialiatski was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The award was received by his wife Natallia Pinchuk.

In May 2023, the leader of “Viasna” was transferred to the penal colony #9 in Horki, where prisoners, especially those convicted on political charges, are subjected to real torture.

The Charter97.org team joins in congratulating him on his anniversary and wishes Ales Bialiatski a speedy release from prison.