Nyaklyaeu: Entire Belarus should be released from prison. Rymasheuski: No flirting with authorities
- 20.05.2011, 18:11
Presidential candidates say their aim for the nearest time is to release all political prisoners.
“Everyone understands why we were released. It is not because the judge is good or the authorities are going to turn to democracy. This is a result of international solidarity,” former presidential candidate Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu told journalists on May 20 leaving the court of the Frunzenski district of Minsk.
“I’d like to say that I felt your support, the support of the whole world, through prison walls. It helped me to live, I swear,” he said.
The politician said that his aim for the nearest future was to release all political prisoners. “Not only all innocent people, but the whole Belarus, should be released from prison,” he said.
The presidential candidate emphasized that the demand to release political prisoners would remain unconditional, “without trade with the authorities”.
He also thanked the EU and the United States. “If it had not been for them, I would still remain in the KGB jail now,” Nyaklyaeu said.
Vital Rymasheuski said: “It was difficult. During the election campaign, in the KGB jail, after the release. But this is an experience. Now, I am more confident in my forces. I am more confident in friends and associates. You know, I’ve seen much disappointment, but I expected it.
What should be done to release people? Political leaders should show solidarity and be honest. They should not flirt with the authority unless the last political prisoner is released. The people will be released if we put strict demands to the authorities.
The crackdown broke some people, make others to give up, but there are people who became stronger and better.”
Andrei Dzmitryeu: “I do not accept congratulations on the verdict. I think I am not guilty. But in comparison with other verdicts, I understand that freedom is better. This is unfair. You feel someone is playing with you. I do not want to play this game.”
Anastasia Palazhanka: “I will continue my activity in mobilizing the youth. I am convinced that no one must fear. As experience shows, God saves me. This is my second criminal case, I can leave the courtroom for the second time. I am sure me must go further.
My plan for this year is to develop the activity of Young Front and do my best to free my friends.”