#WeStandBYyou

In the run-up to the Belarusian presidential elections in August 2020, the regime began arresting potential opponents who posed a threat to Lukashenko and excluding them from the campaign. LIBERECO therefore launched the #WeStandBYyou godparenthood campaign in July 2020 to support the persecuted opposition forces. In the face of obvious electoral fraud, months of peaceful mass protests broke out across the country against the rigged result. Lukashenko was only able to stay in power by using brutal force against the demonstrators. According to a United Nations report, at least 37,000 people were arbitrarily arrested during the protests. Many reported torture and ill-treatment during their arrest and subsequent detention. The regime committed numerous human rights violations with impunity and cruelty. To this day, people are being persecuted, arrested and sentenced to long prison terms for taking part in the 2020 protests or for expressing their views freely.

Since 2020, 448 members of 24 European parliaments have agreed to show solidarity with at least one political prisoner by becoming their symbolic godparent. Through the #WeStandBYyou campaign, we have already acquired 564 godparenthoods for political prisoners, providing them and their families with not only political support, but also significant emotional support.

Here you will find a list of all current godparenthoods.