Ministers join campaign highlighting human rights
issues.
Five political prisoners will have their ‘godparenthood’ taken
over by Scottish Government Ministers as part of an initiative to
amplify the voices of those suffering human rights abuses in
Belarus.
The #WeStandBYyou campaign, organized by the human rights group
Libereco, advocates for the release of those imprisoned because
of their political commitment to democracy in the country and to
free and fair elections.
A total of five Scottish Government Ministers, including the
First Minister , will join European
politicians to offer support individuals who have been imprisoned
during the current political regime in Belarus. The First
Minister will become the 400th politician and the
first head of a European government to participate formally in
the scheme.
First Minister said:
“Politicians who rage against democracy never prevail. I watched
aghast as Lukashenko stole the election in Belarus in 2020, and
the brutal crackdown on those who disagreed with him that
followed.
“As the first head of a government anywhere in the world to
sponsor a political prisoner of the Belarus regime, I encourage
others to join Scotland in unequivocally condemning the abuses
carried out by the Lukashenko regime against the Belarusian
people.
“Dzmitryi has been handed a nine-year prison sentence – simply
for exercising his freedom to speak out, and protest. I hope that
by shining a light on what him and others are facing in Belarus,
I and the government I lead can raise awareness of and support
for him, and for the thousands of other political prisoners.”
External Affairs Secretary , who is also taking part in
the campaign said:
"The Scottish Government stands with those who suffer injustices,
and we will use our platform to advocate for change.
“By participating in the Libereco 'godparenting' scheme, we hope
to bring further international attention to the human rights
situation in Belarus and we stand united with those who seek
fairness, equality and justice."
Background
Godparenthood for
political prisoners in Belarus | Libereco
Dzmitryi Halavacz – Supported by First Minister,
In October 2023 Dzmitryi Halavacz was sentenced to nine years in
prison.
Eduard Babaryka – Supported by External Affairs
Secretary
On 5 July 2023 Eduard received an eight-year prison sentence.
Siarhai Vaitsiuk – Supported by Wellbeing Economy Secretary
Siarhai is serving a two-and-a-half years sentence in prison.
Natallja Dulina – Supported by Minister for Europe
Natallja was detained in early October 2022 and sentenced to
three-and-a-half years in prison.
Volha Tserakh – Supported by Minister for Equalities
In March 2023 she was sentenced to five years imprisonment for
her actions.
