Kim Samusenko: Most Former Political Prisoners Did Not Support This Letter

27.10.2026, 15:34
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Only sanctions will force the regime to stop its repression.

On October 26, a group of former Belarusian political prisoners appealed to European politicians to help free prisoners of conscience and stop the repression in Belarus. The open letter is signed by about 70 people who have been released in recent years. However, the majority of former political prisoners did not support this appeal. One of them, Kim Samusenko, commented on the letter on his Facebook page.

“I’ve read the text—yes, it contains some fine words, but, unfortunately, they can be used for very unsavory purposes: to defend the occupation regime and legitimize it.

I categorically disagree with the manipulative headline, which implies that this appeal is on behalf of ‘all former political prisoners.’ I would never sign such a letter—nor, for that matter, would many other former political prisoners I know.

I have always made it clear: I am against lifting sanctions in exchange for the release of people—at least under the current conditions. Sanctions will be lifted sooner or later, and new political prisoners will inevitably take the place of those released.” Such deals will not lead to an end to repression. They can only end when the regime itself ceases to exist. If Europeans become involved in this process as trading partners, it will only improve Lukashenko’s position, not the situation in Belarus.

One thing I agree with 100% is that European countries should take a more active stance on sanctions. Did they detain someone?—new sanctions. Another “occupation” law passed?—new sanctions. Another drone flew over?—new sanctions. A propagandist publicly spoke out against Europe?—new sanctions. Confiscating property, freezing the accounts of those who finance the regime—there are plenty of options.

It would be wonderful if, in this scenario, European countries took on the role of the “bad cop.” However, I understand that they have to take into account the bureaucratic machinery, their focus on other pressing issues, and, quite simply, their own domestic problems.

I personally know many of those who signed this letter; I respect them and believe they have every right to their convictions and their own personal view of what is happening. But I categorically do not want anyone in the halls of the European Parliament to brandish this letter, claiming that Belarusian political prisoners “want to negotiate.”

I do not want this because, in my view, it undermines my imprisonment, the suffering of others, and the struggle of the entire Belarusian people against the occupiers.”

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