The EP Delegation For Relations With Belarus Calls For The Immediate Release Of Mikalai Statkevich

He has been missing for six days.

“After his recent release from prison, Mr Statkevich was forcibly taken to the border with Lithuania, where he refused deportation and chose to remain in his homeland. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown. The refusal of the Belarusian authorities to disclose his location and condition raises grave fears that he has once again been returned to detention.

This situation constitutes an enforced disappearance -- a gross violation of international law, as underlined by Amnesty International.”

The Delegation stresses that the Belarusian authorities bear full responsibility for Mr Statkevich's life and safety.

“Mikalai Statkevich has long symbolised the courage, dignity, and determination of the Belarusian people in their struggle for freedom. His choice to remain with his people, despite years of imprisonment and torture, stands as a testament to true leadership and sacrifice.”

The Delegation calls on the Belarusian authorities to:

— immediately disclose the whereabouts and condition of Mikalai Statkevich,

— guarantee his safety and freedom,

— end the practice of using political prisoners as bargaining chips,

— and unconditionally release all those imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights.

“We further urge the Belarusian authorities to put an end to the practice of forcibly deporting former political prisoners. All Belarusian citizens must be guaranteed the right to live and work freely in their own country. This requires the full rehabilitation of former political prisoners, an immediate end to their harassment and stigmatisation, and the provision of effective measures to support their reintegration into society.

The heart of a free Belarus continues to beat thanks to people like Mikalai Statkevich. His disappearance is not only an attack on one man but on the very hope of a democratic Belarus,” the statement reads.

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