Declaration of the Socialist International on the Release of Mikola Statkevich, Belarusian Political Prisoner

The Socialist International welcomes with relief and satisfaction the release of Nikolai Statkevich, a prominent figure of the democratic opposition in Belarus, who had been held for many years because of his political convictions and his commitment to freedom and democracy.

We pay tribute to his courage and exemplary resilience in the face of repression. His journey embodies the aspiration of the Belarusian people to live in a state governed by the rule of law, where fundamental freedoms, human rights, and the dignity of every citizen are respected.

The Socialist International recalls that the release of Nikolai Statkevich, though positive, must not overshadow the plight of the many other political prisoners still held in Belarus. We call on the Belarusian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all those imprisoned for political reasons, to put an end to persecution, and to engage in a genuine dialogue aimed at achieving a peaceful democratic transition.

We reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the Belarusian people and our commitment to stand with them in their struggle for democracy, justice, and freedom.