As part of Libereco - Partnership for Human Rights, an independent NGO’s, #WeStandBYyou campaign, I was honoured to be asked to take on a ‘godparenthood’ for a political prisoner in Belarus to highlight their plight.
Since their founding in 2009, Libereco have been advocating for people who are persecuted because of their political or civic commitment, acting as a vocal voice for these and supporting the forces of a critical and vibrant civil society in Belarus and Ukraine.
The pro-Russian Belarusian regime of President Lukashenko – who cheated to ‘win’ the last election in Belarus - harasses and arrests people who stand up for democracy, the rule of law and freedom rights, as well as marginalised groups.
Artsiom Kasakouski, who worked as an optician, has been in custody since 27 September 2020 for allegedly taking part in ‘mass riots’ during protests against the rigged presidential election.
He also painted some bus stops with the opposition Belarusian flag, a symbol of freedom and democracy. The charges against him included “participation in riots” (Article 293), “violation of public order” (Article 342) and “desecration of buildings and damage to property” (Article 341).
The court found Artsiom guilty on all counts and sentenced him to a total of 6.5 years in prison.
To Artsiom and his family and friends I want to express my admiration for his bravery and my support for them and the struggle for human rights in Belarus during this difficult time.
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