PThrough their discreet struggle for freedom and democracy, the Belarusian people have established themselves as a model of courage and resilience. Despite decades spent under the yoke of an authoritarian regime and its systematic repression, he tirelessly continues his quest for a life of freedom. It is a battle that must not be forgotten, especially in this period of global instability.
The fundamental values of respect for human dignity and human rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law, are all anchor points that unite us, Europeans, and unite us. However, at the heart of this continent that we share, the Belarusian people are still deprived of it.
Exposed to constant threats and intimidation, he lives under the thumb of a regime that imprisons its citizens on spurious grounds and strips lawyers of their licenses under accusations of fraudulent conduct, a regime that censors rigorously hundreds of independent media, thus forcing them to cease their activities, and which has deregistered more than a thousand non-governmental organizations (NGOs), now prevented from carrying out their missions.
He lives under the threat of an administration which currently holds more than 1,500 political prisoners in its jails. Others are forced into exile, deprived of their passports, prosecuted and tried and sentenced in absentia.
Vassal of the Russian Federation
Trampling on democratic values and human rights, the current Belarusian regime is trying to stay in power by all possible means, going so far as to reduce its country to the rank of vassal of the Russian Federation, by welcoming borders of the European Union (EU) from Russian nuclear weapons.
But Belarus is European in essence and rooted in Europe’s values, culture and aspiration for a better future. These historical links date back to Francysk Skaryna (1486-1551), one of the first enlightened intellectuals of the Renaissance, and have enriched European culture and art in unique ways, as evidenced in the visionary works of painter Marc Chagall (1887-1985), imbued with European ideals.
Faced with increasingly desperate attempts by those in power to crush all opposition, Belarusians are demonstrating unwavering commitment to their quest for freedom and democracy. This commitment echoes the struggles and aspirations of countless Europeans throughout history.
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