Bialiatski: It's not time to lift sanctions while the war continues and repression goes on
Nobel laureate and former political prisoner Ales Bialiatski held a meeting with Belarusians in Vilnius. The hall was full, with estimates of over 150 people coming to listen to him.
Ales Bialiatski during the meeting. Photo: "Viasna"
Among the questions asked to Ales Bialiatski was one about the sanctions imposed on Lukashenka's regime for various offenses since 2020. Perhaps it's time to lift them? But Bialiatski does not believe that this time has come just yet:
“Sanctions are the leverage that the authorities pay attention to. This is the only thing that forced them to release us.
Lukashenka absolutely doesn't care how many people are imprisoned, morally he feels normal, a person with certain sadistic tendencies. Someone is sitting, suffering – well, that's normal. On the contrary, he likes it, he gets some kind of thrill from it.
Therefore, sanctions are a normal leverage that forces the Belarusian authorities to engage in these negotiations. And it's too early to cancel these sanctions. Firstly, the war with Ukraine has not yet ended, and Belarus is actively participating in this war. Secondly, because the repressions have not stopped.
Thirdly, we cannot return there now, because it is scorched earth.
You return, and tomorrow you will again go to where Statkevich was sent after he refused to leave.
Therefore, we need to achieve broad changes that would allow the situation to de-escalate and allow civic activists, journalists, and public organizations – all those who wish – to return. This is our task.”
During the meeting. Photo: "Viasna"
He also noted that the Nobel Peace Prize he received in 2022 actually belongs not to him personally, but to all Belarusians who are fighting for democratic changes.
“I will strive, which I am doing now, to use it to gather support for the democratic forces of Belarusians and for future democratic changes, in which I believe.”
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