Freed Belarusian activist says other political prisoners must be released
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 23 June 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Freed Belarusian activist says other political prisoners must be released, 23 June 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53b283d92e.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 23, 2014
By RFE/RL's Belarus Service
Belarusian opposition activist Ales Byalyatski
Outspoken Belarusian human rights activist Ales Byalyatski, who was unexpectedly released on June 21, says other political prisoners in his country must be freed.
Byalyatski told journalists in Minsk on June 23 that he does not plan to leave Belarus, adding that Belarus remains "an unfree country."
Byalyatski said he will continue his human rights activities.
Byalyatski, the head of the Belarusian human rights center Vyasna, was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison in November 2011.
He was convicted of tax evasion.
Byalyatski pleaded not guilty and his supporters said the charges against him were politically motivated.
The chairman of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's Ad Hoc Working Group on Belarus, Christian Holm, has called Byalyatski's early release "hopefully a sign of more to come."
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
