Estonian president issues statement in support of political prisoners in Belarus

TALLINN - Estonian President Alar Karis said in a statement in support of political prisoners and repressed people in Belarus that it is deeply unfortunate and sad that there are close to 900 political prisoners held in a European country.

"I call on the Belarusian regime to release political prisoners and to respect the will of their people, and to see the need for change in their country. My thoughts are with all the brave people who stand up for democratic values and suffered repressions because of it. I wish fortitude for them and their loved ones. Estonia, like the entire European Union, will continue to support them and put pressure on the Belarusian regime to end this intolerable situation," Karis said.

Unfortunately, the serious human rights violations in Belarus are receiving less and less attention, the Estonian president said. 

"We must not forget or overlook the repression and persecution of civil society representatives, the political trials, the destruction of civil society and the free media in Belarus. It is admirable that many active Belarusians continue to be determined to stand up for democratic values ??and to defy all the repression that befalls them," he added.

"It requires courage, because all who think differently in Belarus face forceful actions from the regime, even criminal charges and imprisonment," the head of state said.

"We must not forget that even among the Belarusians who still have their freedom, there are thousands whose rights have been restricted, who have had to suffer through sentencing or have been forced into exile. We appreciate and support the fight of the Belarusian opposition in exile," he noted.

History has shown that no crimes go unpunished, some crimes do not expire, and the responsibility lies with all those who carry out repression, according to Karis.

"I suggest you look in the mirror and think about when humanity and honesty, for yourself and others, left you," he said.