As part of Libereco’s solidarity campaign #WeStandBYyou, Maciej Konieczny, Marcelina Zawisza and Magdalena Biejat (all Members of the Polish Sejm, Lewica) have taken on a godparenthood for political prisoners in Belarus.

Maciej Konieczny

Daniil Skipalski was arrested on 4 May 2021 and sentenced to 3 years of imprisonnement for the “organization of actions that grossly violate public order, or active participation in them” (Criminal code, Art. 342) and “violence or threat of violence against an employee of the internal affairs bodies” (Art. 364).

Maciej Konieczny is a Member of the Polish Sejm and Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. He took on the godparenthood for Daniil Skipalski and declared: “Daniil Skipalski was detained and sentenced to 3 years in prison for his participation in the protests in Mozyr after the 2020 presidential elections. This is a flagrant example of civil and political rights violations committed by Lukashenka’s regime. Daniil Skipalski had every right to join the peaceful protest against electoral fraud, and his imprisonment is nothing less than the persecution of political opponents. That is why I call for the immediate and unconditional release of Daniil Skipalski and all other political prisoners in Belarus. I express my full solidarity with the Belarusian people who fight for real democracy. Жыве Беларусь!”

 

Marcelina Zawisza

Kiryl Palcheuski has been imprisoned since 15 June 2021. He was sentenced to 3 years and 1 month in prison  for “organizing activities grossly disturbing public order” (Criminal Code, Art. 342).

Marcelina Zawisza is a Member of the Polish Sejm. She has become the godparent of Palcheuski and states: “Kiryl Palcheuski participated in peaceful protests after the August elections, which posed no threat to national or public security. The allegations against him are therefore not only unfounded but are a clear example of the persecution of political opponents. Due to his mental illness Kiryl Palcheuski should be cared for, not thrown in jail. I call for his immediate release.”

 

Magdalena Biejat

Ryhor Davydau is a former employee of the Ministry of Emergencies and has been imprisoned since 21 October 2021. He was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for “participation in riots” (Criminal Code, Art. 293).

Magdalena Biejat is a member of the Polish Sejm. She has taken on the godparenthoof for Davydau and declares: “After the 2020 fraudulent elections in Belarus, Ryhor Davydau took to the streets to protest against Lukashenka’s regime. He was later accused of participation in riots and sentenced to four and a half years in prison in a maximum security colony. This is a blatant attack on basic civil and political rights. I condemn this unjust imprisonment and demand the release of Ryhor Davydau. Belarusians have the right to decide about their future, and the right to assemble and express one’s views through protest is an important part of it.”