The BCD launches “Become a Witness” Campaign
On 15 February 2011 the Belarusian Christian Democracy held a press-conference and announced the start of a new campaign. The statement of the Party says: The unprecedented pressure on the BCD members, the members of the initiative group of the BCD presidential candidate, Vital Rymasheuski, the BCD regional leaders and activists continues. From 19 December 2010 to this day arrests, searches, interrogations, pressure on the activists do not stop.
5 members of the BCD including co-chairmen, Paval Sieviarynets and Vital Rymasheuski, are accused of organising mass riots on 19 December 2010. Paval Sieviarynets along with other political prisoners is still in the KGB pre-trial prison. On 14 February 2011 the BCD activist, Vadzim Kabanchuk, was illegally detained at the Belarusian-Lithuanian border and sentenced to 10 days in prison. He also received threats of being accused under a criminal case.
We express our indignation with the facts of gross violations of human rights in Belarus, illegal arrests and detentions. We demand the release of all political prisoners.
We appeal to citizens of the Republic of Belarus:
The only weapon of the dictatorship in Belarus is fear. The purpose of the actions of the authorities in recent months is to intimidate the Belarusians and destroy independent democratic forces.
There’s only one way to respond to violent acts of intimidation – by strengthening solidarity and unity in a joint vibrant non-violent resistance. Therefore, we urge everyone to join in the activities of the Belarusian Christian Democracy and other political and civic initiatives and organizations. Only together we can stand for freedom and independence of our country, release of prisoners!
We have nothing to fear and nothing to hide. Our actions have always been exclusively non-violent, aimed at establishing freedom and democracy, to strengthen the independence of Belarus.
Due to the fact that the trials of the accused with connection to 19 December 2010 start this week, Belarusian Christian Democracy announces “Become a Witness” campaign.
We urge all those who took part in the peaceful protest on 19 December 2010 to join the campaign and to testify in the court that the protests were peaceful and non-violent, that the accused leaders did their best to stop the provocations and violence.
Each concerned person, every activist can influence the future of our country. We must make sure that the Belarusian people have the strength to overcome fear, to fight for freedom.
