06 AUG 2024
We express our solidarity with Ukrainian civilian hostages in Russia, Belarusian political prisoners, and their families
06 AUG 2024
Statement from the Memorial Human Rights Defence Center Council
As a result of the prisoner swap that took place on August 1, 2024, fifteen political prisoners detained by the Russian authorities and one person held prisoner in Belarus were released. We share the joy of the release of the innocent.
However, we must not forget those who remain in captivity. Not only hundreds of other Russian political prisoners remain behind bars, but also thousands of Ukrainian civilian hostages held in Russia. The fate of the latter is in even greater danger due to the lack of information about them and their whereabouts, which creates opportunities for any abuses and lawless actions.
We must also remember the hundreds of Belarussian political prisoners, who are held in captivity, partly due to the cooperation between the two dictatorships of Russia and Belarus. When news of Belarus's participation in the exchange emerged, we hoped that our friend and colleague Ales Bialiatski, the chairperson of The Human Rights Center "Viasna", and democratic movement leader Maria Kalesnikava would be among those freedut this did not happen.
In the face of united dictatorships and the ongoing war, we express our gratitude to everyone who participated in the release and saving of political prisoners' lives, and to all who support those suffering from arbitrary rule. We urge you to continue this fight and remember those who desperately need support, including Ukrainian hostages in Russia and Belarusian political prisoners.
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