As part of the solidarity campaign #WeStandBYyou of Libereco, Karl Lamers (CDU), Matthias Bartke (SPD) and Sandra Weeser (FDP) have taken over a godparenthood for political prisoners in Belarus.
Dzmitry Ivashkou was arrested in Gomel during a peaceful protest and charged under Article 293 (“participation in mass riots”) of the Belarusian Criminal Code. He is being held in the detention centre in Minsk.
Karl Lamers
Karl Lamers is a member of the German Bundestag and is the godparent for Dzmitry Ivashkou. The CDU politician stated: “I have taken over the godparenthood for Dzmitry Ivashkou. He is one of the many people in Belarus whose strength and power I admire. People who demonstrate on the streets for a future of peace and freedom; not knowing if they will be punished with prison and torture for their courage. Lukashenka is still not interested in a genuine dialogue with the people demonstrating peacefully. I urge Lukashenka to release all political prisoners in Belarus”.
Dzianis Dzemukh was arrested on 4 October. Dzianis is accused of disturbing public order under Article 342 of the Belarusian Criminal Code.
Matthias Bartke
Matthias Bartke is a member of the German Bundestag for the Social Democratic Party and has taken over the godparenthood for Dzianis Dzemukh. On this occasion Dr. Bartke stated: “Dzianis Dzemukh protested on the streets as one out of thousands against dictator Lukashenka. He stood up quite rightly against the falsified election results. The fact that he was put in prison for it is unbearable. I condemn the regime’s actions and express my solidarity with all political prisoners. It is finally time for Lukashenka to release these innocent people, resign and pave the way for new elections”.
Mikita Hancharou was arrested and beaten by the police in August while working in Brest. He is charged under Article 293 (“participation in mass riots”) of the Belarusian Criminal Code.
Sandra Weeser
Sandra Weeser is a member of the German Bundestag for the FDP and has taken over the godparenthood of Mikita Hancharou. On this occasion she stated: “Today I am taking over the godparenthood for Mikita Hancharou, a young software developer from Brest in Belarus. In August, Mikita protested together with many of his friends and fellow citizens against the election rigging of ruler Lukashenka. A few days later he was arrested at his workplace and beaten in custody. Mikita has shown courage and demands nothing more than free and fair elections. I therefore call for his release and am now trying to contact him and his family. He and all people in Belarus have a right to live and vote just as freely as we do in Germany. They have our full support in their fight for freedom”.
