EU stands by imprisoned Belarusian journalists in the quest for democracy

EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore wrote to the imprisoned media workers and journalists to express his support and solidarity on the eve of the May 21, Day of the political prisoner.

Dear Belarusian journalists and media workers,

On this day, we remember Vitold Ashurak, and call for an enquiry into the circumstances and cause of his death in prison.

On this day also, the European Union remembers your own imprisonment and suffering. We wish to assure you that we continue to raise at every opportunity, all those who have been imprisoned in Belarus, for doing their job as a journalist or for speaking out about the political circumstances in Belarus.

Over the past several months, we have been bringing to the attention of the authorities in Belarus and that of the wider world, the dire prison conditions which you are enduring.

We repeat our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners. Your continued imprisonment demonstrates, not the strength of the Lukashenko regime, but its weakness, because it fears the truth and it cannot handle freedom of expression.

I realise that this is a difficult time for you, your family and your friends. I want you to know that your European family stands by you in the quest for democracy. I am confident that this effort shall prevail.

I wish you well personally and I assure you that we will continue our efforts to secure your freedom.

Yours sincerely,

Eamon Gilmore

EU Special Representative for Human Rights

Names of imprisoned journalists and media workers in Belarus:

1. Katsiaryna Andreyeva, journalist
2. Darya Chultsova, journalist
3. Ihar Losik, blogger and media consultant
4. Siarhei Hardziyevich, journalist
5. Kseniya Lutskina, journalist
6. Andrei Aliaksandrau, journalist and media manager
7. Dzianis Ivashyn, investigative journalist
8. Andrzej Poczobut, journalist
9. Maryna Zolatava, editor and media manager
10. Liudmila Chekina, media manager
11. Alena Talkachova, journalist
12. Valeryia Kastsiuhava, blogger, editor, political scientist
13. Aliaksandr Ivulin, journalist
14. Yahor Martsinovich, journalist, editor, media manager
15. Andrei Skurko, editor, media manager
16. Iryna Leushyna, journalist, media manager
17. Dzmitry Navazhylau, media manager
18. Henadz Mazheika, journalist
19. Iryna Slaunikava, media manager  
20. Andrei Kuznechyk, journalist  
21. Siarhei Satsuk, investigative journalist, editor
22. Aleh Hruzdzilovich, journalist
23. Aksana Kolb, journalist, media manager
24. Yury Hantsarevich, journalist
25. Dzmitry Luksha, journalist
26. Kanstantsin Zalatykh, media manager