WASHINGTON—U.S. Helsinki Commission Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09), OSCE PA Special Representative on Political Prisoners, today issued a statement following the release of fourteen political prisoners in Belarus.
“I welcome the news that Belarus has released fourteen Belarusians who were being held as political prisoners – including opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski. Exactly a year ago, I presided over a congressional hearing where Siarhei’s spouse Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of free Belarus, testified about the brutal conditions of her husband’s detention, including his isolation from the outside world. Other released prisoners include former RFE/RL journalist Ihar Karnei and U.S. lawful permanent resident Sergei Sheleg. I join Sviatlana, her children, and families of the other released political prisoners in celebrating the freedom of their loved ones.
“This release, however, comes amid a troubling reality for political opposition and democracy advocates in Belarus: more than 1,000 political prisoners remain behind bars languishing in harsh conditions. The release of these courageous individuals is a powerful testament to the value of sustained diplomatic engagement by the United States and our allies, international solidarity, and steadfast advocacy. It demonstrates that pressure and principled support can spur change, even in the darkest halls of authoritarian regimes.
“I urge Minsk to act swiftly to free all political prisoners and cease using its judicial system as a tool of repression. As the OSCE PA Special Representative on Political Prisoners, I stand ready to work with my colleagues on the Helsinki Commission and throughout the U.S. government to ensure that no voice for freedom remains silenced. Going forward, unwavering international resolve must accompany targeted diplomacy, sanctions where appropriate, and robust humanitarian advocacy. Only by reinforcing the message that dissent must not be punished can we create momentum toward a truly democratic Belarus where every citizen’s rights are protected.”
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