(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
Just months after Belarusian human rights activist Ales Bialiatski was released after 1050 days in prison, he traveled to Germany and demonstrated for the release of political prisoners in his home country. Bialiatski, the founder of the Belarusian human rights organization Viasna, visited Oslo last week.
In 2011, he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for his work as a human rights defender, but was released prematurely in 2014. Bialiatski tells Ny Tid that although the organization has achieved a lot, most of the work remains. "The most important thing we have achieved is the death sentence we were stopped in 1999. One person was to be executed, but we protested, and the case was annulled," he says. "We have worked closely with people who are in conflict with the Belarusian authorities. I would say that the biggest merit so far is that human rights have become a reality for most people in society. But we have not managed to achieve the most important thing, namely a political change, "says Bialiatski.
It's been almost a year since the release when he's in Oslo to attend a screening of the documentary Erling Borgen has made about his human rights work. The film is the first in the documentary series A heart that never dies. In the series, filmmaker Borgen portrays human rights defenders, and questions what drives them to risk their own lives in the fight to promote human rights. Ales Bialiatski says he has no plans to give up the fight. “I've been involved with society since I was a student, and the motivation is still the same. We want to change the situation for the better. The ultimate goal is that Belarus becomes a country where human rights and human dignity are respected. I am an optimist – you should not underestimate what a person's efforts can change. That's the change I'm trying to make, "says Bialiatski, who spent much of his time in solitary confinement. “When sitting inside, it's important to take one day at a time. The prison system in Belarus does not open any rights. But people always have a choice, and if you are aware of it, it will be easier. It wasn't easy, but I was lucky to get so many support statements, ”says Bialiatski. When he was imprisoned, he received hundreds of letters. Several human rights organizations condemned the imprisonment. He was released without notice for a year and a half.
"I am convinced that it was all the attention about the prison that led to me getting out earlier. I am very grateful for all the letters and supporting statements I received while I was in jail, ”says Bialiatski.
Speed up choices. The Visnia organization works to promote democracy and human rights on several levels. They observe elections and offer support to prison inmates and their relatives. The organization is also a driving force for human rights work in general in the region. They lost the right to exist as a non-governmental nonprofit following a Supreme Court ruling in 2003, and have since worked unofficially. In 2007, they created a human rights house in Lithuania, where the organization and Belarus are described by many as Europe's last dictatorship. The country has been governed by President Aleksandr Lukashenko since 1994, and is constantly moving in a more authoritarian direction. Lukashenko has deposed a number of ministers, been re-elected in undemocratic elections and changed the constitution to expand their powers.
"It's just a show. Everything is being falsified and the election results are ready in advance. ”
The national security service KGB keeps the political opposition under control, and it is illegal to demonstrate against the government. Belarus has repeatedly been criticized for gross violations of human rights. The media is largely controlled by the state.
On Wednesday, it became clear that the planned election in November will be postponed to October 11 this year. Bialiatski says he has no expectations for the upcoming election. "It's just a show. Everything is falsified, and the election results are clear in advance. At the country's last elections in 2010, eight of Lukashenko's opponents were imprisoned the night before the elections were to take place, ”he says. "It helps in terms of the effect it has on direct reprisals against those who oppose, but it probably has a limited direct effect when it comes to Lukashenko's goal to retain power. But it is extremely important that international observers tell the outside world about the situation in the country, ”he says.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine increases the level of fear and uncertainty among the Belarusian population. Less export of goods as a result of a weak Russian ruble has led to increased unemployment in several sectors.
“In general, there is a high level of fear in society. People are afraid of the development between Ukraine and Russia. The policy Lukashenko has conducted in recent years is a direct threat to the development of democracy, ”concludes Bialiatski.
Cooperation. Norway currently has no formal contact with Belarusian authorities, but is following the same path as the EU, including by imposing sanctions such as freezing bank accounts and refusing visas to persons responsible for abuses.
Norway also supports civil society organizations in the country through Norwegian organizations.
The general manager at the Human Rights House, Maria Dahle, tells Ny Tid that this is a collaboration that must be continued. "This is important for both parties – for competence transfer, networking and solidarity. Belarus needs Norway, and Norway needs Belarus. Civil society in Belarus is important not only for the country itself, but for the whole region. Due to the difficult conditions in the country over a long period of time, they have developed a unique competence that both Russian and Azerbaijani civil society benefit from, "says Dahle.
In 2014, Alexander Lukashenko hosted the peace talks on Ukraine. Since 2011, Lukashenko and around 200 of his supporters have banned travel in the EU, a reaction to his many human rights violations and the lack of democracy. Many things indicate that he now wants to take the opportunity to get back into the heat in Europe. The news agency Reuters reports on accelerating diplomatic activity, and in February the Foreign Minister visited the EU presidency countries Latvia and Belarus.
"Due to the role Lukashenko has taken in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, some European countries are considering resuming dialogue," Dahle says. “We fear that any dialogue with the country's authorities could weaken support for civil society. Belarusian authorities oppose civil society. Therefore, starting a dialogue at the government level, it is all the more important to strengthen the support of the independent organizations. Civil society is the only democratic pockets in Belarus, and it is important that they are preserved and strengthened, ”says Dahle.
carima@nytid.no
