Members of Parliament from Switzerland and Ireland take over godparenthood for Aliaksandr Rayentau, Siarhei Drazdouski and Hleb Hatouka

As part of the solidarity campaign #WeStandBYyou of Libereco, Carlo Sommaruga (Council of States, SP, Switzerland), Laurent Wehrli (National Council, FDP, Switzerland) and Billy Kelleher (European Parliament, Renew Europe, Fianna Fáil) have taken over a godparenthood for political prisoners in Belarus. 

Aliaksandr Rayentau was detained in early December. He was charged under Article 342 of the Belarusian Criminal Code for having disturbed public order and may be imprisoned for up to three years.

Carlo Sommaruga

Carlo Sommaruga, member of the Swiss Council of States, has taken over the godparenthood for Aliaksandr Rayentau and stated: “Freedom of opinion, assembly and demonstration, just like every other democratic right, is not negotiable. Aliaksandr Rayentau has been arrested for exercising his fundamental rights. He demonstrated against electoral fraud and must be released immediately!”

Siarhei Drazdouski is director of the Office for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He was detained on February 3, after he and the legal counsellor of the organization, Aleh Hrableuski, were questioned. As a result, Drazdouski was placed under house arrest to await official charges.

Laurent Wehrli

Laurent Wehrli, member of the Swiss National Council, has taken over the godparenthood for Siarhei Drazdouski and stated: “Pressure, including judicial threats, must stop against Siarhei Drazdouski. He must be allowed to continue his work on behalf of people with disabilities.”

Hleb Hatouka is a 20-year-old resident of Minsk. On December 31, he was sentenced to four years in prison. Hleb was accused of taking part in a spontaneous rally after two of the most popular alternative presidential candidates were denied registration.

Billy Kelleher

Billy Kelleher, Member of the European Parliament, has taken over the godparenthood for Hleb Hatouka. On this occasion, Mr Kelleher stated: “Honoured to be standing with Hleb Hatouka as he suffers an illegal detention at the hands of the Belarusian regime. His courage is a symbol of hope for all of us.”