Amnesty International launches campaign to support Ales Byalyatski
Amnesty International has launched a campaign to gather appeals to the Belarusian authorities demanding to immediately release head of Viasna human rights centre Ales Byalyatski.
The organization issued a statement regarding the campaign:
“Amnesty International recognizes the right of the Belarusian authorities to punish legitimate crimes, but the organization maintains that the charges against Ales Byalyatski are politically motivated and intended to obstruct his legitimate work as a human rights defender. Ales Byalyatski has been in detention in Minsk since 4 August.
Please write immediately in Belarusian, Russian or your own language: Calling on the authorities to release Ales Byalyatski immediately and unconditionally;
Urging them to stop the harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders, and reminding them that they have a responsibility to protect human rights defenders, as set out in the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which recognizes that human rights activity is necessary and legitimate.
PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 6 JANUARY 2012 TO:
President Alyaksandr Lukashenka
ul. Karla Marxa 38
220016 Minsk, BELARUS
Fax: +375 17 226 06 10/ +375 17 222 38 72
Email: contact@president.gov.by
Prosecutor General Alexander Koniuk
Ul. Internatsionalnaya 22
220050 Minsk BELARUS
Fax: +375 17 226 42 52 (please say "fax")
Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country. Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.
