Lyabedzka: “It’s early to say we have no political prisoners”

• 22.08.2008, 8:49

It is often said now that there remain no political prisoners in Belarus. Leader of United Civil Party Anatol Lyabedzka believes it’s not true.

“For instance, the rights of participants of the notorious political case of 14 are impaired, though they are not in prisons,” the politician thinks. “they are restricted to move in the country and abroad; it’ dangerous for them to participate in political actions; they can run in the election. So, it is early to say we have no political prisoners in Belarus. We can say it only after all convicted on politically motivated grounds are rehabilitated.”

Alyaksandr Kazulin expressed a similar opinion at a press conference: he finds his “pardon” humiliating and demands “unconditional release”, in other words removing of conviction and restoration of all, in particular, political rights. A. Kazulin is sure without this it is too early for the West to start negotiations with the Belarusian authorities.