New 'godparents' for Belarusian political prisoners
As part of the solidarity campaign #WeStandBYyou of Libereco, Thomas Erndl (Bundestag, CDU/CSU, Germany), Volker Ullrich, (Bundestag, CDU, Germany) and Hannes Heide (European Parliament, SPÖ, Austria) have taken over a godparenthood for political prisoners in Belarus.
Mikita Litvinenka was detained on 13 September under Article 293 of the Belarusian Criminal Code (“participation in mass riots”). He is being detained in Minsk.
- Thomas Erndl, member of the German Bundestag
Thomas Erndl, member of the German Bundestag, has taken over the godparenthood for Mikita Litvinenka and stated: “Since the rigged elections in 2020, countless Belarusians have been peacefully protesting for freedom, human rights and democracy in their country. The regime’s response to this is state violence and arbitrary imprisonment. The fact that an autocrat and despot is oppressing his people immediately next to the EU is outrageous. In Belarus, more than 350 journalists, activists and demonstrators are in prison because of their convictions. The courage of these people, who are setting an example in the fight for our values, is impressive. They have to sacrifice their freedom to do so. They deserve our full solidarity and support. For that reason, I have taken over the godparenthood for Mikita Litvinenka, who has been imprisoned since September due to his commitment to a free and democratic Belarus. I demand the immediate release of Mikita and all political prisoners! #WeStandBYyou!”
Mikalai Maliuta is a resident of Brest, working as a construction worker. He was detained under Article 293 of the Belarusian Criminal Code (“participation in mass riots”).
- Volker Ullrich, Member of the German Bundestag
Volker Ullrich, Member of the German Bundestag, has taken over the godparenthood for Mikalai Maliuta and stated: “Mikalai Maliuta took part in a peaceful demonstration in Belarus at the end of March. He set a sign for democracy, freedom and the rule of law and is paying for it with his freedom. For over a month he has therefore been living in captivity. By taking over his godparenthood, I demand his immediate release.”
Raman Sidziuk is a resident of Brest. He was arrested under Article 293 of the Belarusian Criminal Code (“participation in mass riots”) and Article 342 (“active participation in group actions grossly violating public order”).
- Hannes Heide, Member of the European Parliament
Hannes Heide, Member of the European Parliament, has taken over the godparenthood for Raman Sidziuk. On this occasion, Mr. Heide stated: “I am honored to take over the godparenthood for Raman Sidziuk, who was arrested on 09 March 2021 for participating in peaceful protests. Mr. Sidziuk was seriously injured during the arrest. This violent treatment of peaceful protesters shows how far the Belarusian government has moved away from democracy and the rule of law! I demand the immediate release of Raman Sidziuk and all other political prisoners in Belarus!”
