Ales Bialiatski: Our Struggle Continues

The aspiration of Belarusians to European life remains unchanged.

Former political prisoner, head of the Human Rights Center "Viasna", Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski summed up the results of the past year on the air of "Radio Racyja".

- It is known that while in prison, you were in an information blockade. You did receive some information from the outside world. And now you are literally in a whirlwind of information. To what extent do you try to read, watch, learn or limit yourself in some way?

- I am now trying to saturate myself as much as possible, to get information, to cover everything I can. Every day - conversations, meetings, information...

- Immediately after your release, you repeatedly emphasized the importance of other political prisoners being released. And it is important that further repressions stop in Belarus at the same time, so that the places of those released would not be taken by new prisoners. What can we do in this direction?

- A lot has been done, and I would like to thank all the people who have done something in support of the Belarusian political prisoners, in support of me personally. I know that these are thousands of people in many different countries and places: in churches, in churches, in political corridors, and in public spaces. This is really important, because by expressing solidarity with political prisoners, we unite ourselves. Therefore, it is extremely important to continue this work and hope that soon all Belarusian prisoners will be released. I believe in this.

- In your opinion, how has Belarus changed during these four years?

- It's too early for me to summarize the results, because I haven't fully recovered myself. Every day I go to the doctors, I'm getting a little better - in short, the process of returning to a normal, calm life is underway. As for the Belarusian activity, life is booming in Vilnius. There are a lot of my old friends and acquaintances here, and it is very important that there are a lot of young people who strive to do something for Belarus in Belarusian. By and large, today it is not so important where Belarusians live. The main thing is for them to unite, to do the Belarusian cause, and it will definitely bear fruit.

- Will human rights activities continue to be in the foreground for you as the founder of the Human Rights Center "Viasna"?

- Certainly, as long as there are forces, as long as there is an impetus, my desire has not disappeared, but on the contrary - strengthened. Especially since our problems have not disappeared. We have achieved the independence of Belarus to a certain extent, but it is important for us to make it a democratic country, to be a mother country for all Belarusians, wherever they are.

- More than 1100 political prisoners recognized by the human rights community remain in prison. We know from the testimonies of those released that they experience not only daily psychological pressure, but sometimes physical torture. And being on this side, you don't always know how to talk about it, especially since some political prisoners don't want to be talked about. Do you have any advice on how to deal with this situation?

- We need to support political prisoners, because they are the most vulnerable group that needs to be protected. If we do not talk about them, if we keep silent, they will continue to sit, and new political prisoners will appear. That is why it is very important to talk about them. And as for each person individually - all political prisoners are dear to me. We are all connected to this prison. And I hope that this difficult period of life will not break anyone, but on the contrary - strengthen their convictions. Because we did not go through this imprisonment for nothing. And in the end our dream - an independent democratic Belarus - will become a reality.

- In prison you learned that you became a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Does this status influence you today?

- Certainly, it imposes a great responsibility. It still requires my reflection, but it is obvious that I will not be able to retire from public activity even after such a difficult ordeal. I will have to keep working - and I will do it. I think that the Nobel Prize will help me to be more heard around the world.

- You said that "we did not serve this time in prison for nothing". How do you have this confidence?

- Because very often a person does not choose his fate - fate chooses him. And if our time chose us and forced us to go through these trials, there was nowhere to run. It was so with the previous generations, and with us: hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have passed this way for centuries, and we have not reached our goals yet. That is why, I think, there is no need to regret. You live your life anyway - in prison or at liberty. It's important how you live it. The aspiration of Belarusians for a normal, calm, European, happy life remains. And, unfortunately, today this junta, occupying Belarus and illegally holding power, continues to fight against the people. One should understand that these victims are not in vain - they are laid in the foundation of the future Belarus.

- Do you feel hatred towards those responsible for this situation?

- I really hope that time will come and all those who contributed to or organized the situation, as a result of which we ended up in prison, will be justly punished. Personally, I have no feelings for them other than disgust and abomination.

- We are meeting on the eve of 2026. You will meet it in freedom, surrounded by your loved ones. What wishes would you like to convey to our listeners and all Belarusians?

- I wish all Belarusians a happy New Year, a merry Christmas, happiness, joy and harmony in the family. May the next year bring more joy and positive emotions. May there be prosperity, so that we feel more confident, and that in the end all Belarusians, wherever they live, feel themselves one family. May there be less bitterness and more joy and celebrations. I wish happiness and joy to everyone. Zhyve Belarus!

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