"The first victory we can claim is that our hearts are free of hatred. Hence we say to those who persecute us and who try to dominate us: ‘You are my brother. I do not hate you, but you are not going to dominate me by fear. I do not wish to impose my truth, nor do I wish you to impose yours on me. We are going to seek the truth together’. THIS IS THE LIBERATION WHICH WE ARE PROCLAIMING."
Oswaldo José Payá Sardiñas (2002)
"I really do inhabit a system in which words are capable of shaking the entire structure of government, where words can prove mightier than ten military divisions." - Václav Havel, October 1989
Many of these tyrants, like their Cuban counterpart, share Havel's view, but whereas he expressed this statement with hope and optimism, they view it with fear. It is for that reason that these dictatorships attack freedom of the press and freedom of expression because they view both as an existential threat.
Raul Castro and Alexander Lukashenko
The past two weeks have once again demonstrated its defense of dictators and genocidal regimes with visits from heads of state from Belarus and Sri Lanka leaders to Cuba. At the same time in Geneva at the U.N. Human Rights Council its efforts to silent critics while defending brutal dictatorships demonstrates the horrid nature of the regime.
In the case of Sri Lanka, in 2009 the Cuban government's diplomats took the lead in blocking efforts to
address the wholesale slaughter taking place in Sri Lanka. The Foreign Policy Association reported at the time that:
As expected,
Cuba’s seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council has already
become an obstacle to the process of investigation and recognition of
gross human rights offenses. Yesterday Cuba succeeded in blocking
debate on abuses in Sri Lanka, which many countries have pushed for
after the extreme violence that rocked the country earlier this month.
The choice is simple and clear it is not one of being right or left but whether you believe that human beings have dignity and fundamental rights that you are willing to recognize and defend or you don't. In Cuba, under the Castro brothers the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is considered a subversive document. It is for these reasons that the dictatorship in Cuba and its ally Venezuela have no place on the U.N. Human Rights council. The effort to remove or keep out of the membership these kind of regimes from the Council is not done out of small mindedness but out of a desire to save it from irrelevance.
"It was never the people who complained of the universality of human rights, nor did the people consider human rights as a Western or Northern imposition. It was often their leaders who did so." - Mr. Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary-General
Fidel Castro and Alexander Lukashenko
The dictator in Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has been called the "Fidel Castro of Europe" and in addition to close ties with the Castro brothers. Lukashenko has sent warm greetings on the anniversary of the Castro brothers arrival to power on January 1, 1959 declaring: "I am convinced that the warm and friendly relations, which have been in place between our countries and peoples for many years now, will continue to contribute to gradual development of the bilateral mutually beneficial co-operation between Belarus and Cuba in various spheres."
The two tyrants also share some common repressive tactics.
Cuba - February 28, 2012
On February 29, 2012 Belarus Freedom News retweeted the above video stating: "Cowards like Fidel Castro and Lukashenko - their methods are all the same." The video below from July 4, 2011 recorded in Belarus has a number of parallels with the above video from Cuba.
Belarus - July 4, 2011
Belarus and Cuba maybe thousands of miles apart with different languages and national histories but both share the ill fortune of having communist totalitarian regimes and their methods of repression are similar. In both videos a small group of nonviolent demonstrators engage in a protest and are rapidly jumped upon by state security and taken away. The languages and customs may be different but the repression and human rights violations are the same. In addition the regimes in Belarus and Cuba have close bilateral ties.
Raul Castro and Alexander Lukashenko
It appears that repression tactics are universal which offers another reason why a universal human rights standard is not an idealistic abstraction but a concrete response to real world problems.
“The solidarity of the shaken can say ‘no’ to the measures of mobilization that make the state of war permanent. … The solidarity of the shaken is built up in persecution and uncertainty: that is its front line, quiet, without fanfare or sensation even there where this aspect of the ruling Force seeks to seize it.” - Jan Patočka
BBC reporting that 600 activists jailed in crackdown on protests in Belarus
The video is compelling, and although in Belarusian, one can still make out that a peaceful demonstration was put down by regime officials. The video caption reads:
Uladzimir Nyaklyayew was beaten unconscious by unknown men while he was about to lead a group of his supporters to a rally in Kastrychnitskaya Square to protest what the opposition claims was large-scale vote-rigging in Sunday`s presidential election. At about 7:20 p.m., the opposition presidential candidate and about 100 his supporters were attacked by about 50 men in black clothes while standing near the office of the "Tell the Truth!" campaign led by Mr. Nyaklyayew. Several other people were also severely beaten, including Mr. Nyaklyayew's campaign chief, Andrey Dzmitryyew. Mr. Nyaklyayew was carried into the office. An ambulance was called for him.
Needless to say the sounds of gun shots and screams of the peaceful demonstrators terrified for their lives is disturbing.
Received the following message from a Belorussian friend early this morning about events in Belarus:
It looks like nightmare. Like civic war. A lot of people just disappeared. I hope I won't hear about deaths today... Around 2000 people are arrested and disappeared. International friends, please, SOS, spread the word, it is really scary and your solidarity will help us so much!
In Belarus another undemocratic "election" has taken place and the dictator brutalizing the opposition and all who dare dissent has blocked the internet and begun mass round ups of the political opposition. Now is the time to speak out on behalf of the democratic opposition in Belarus and denounce the brutality inflicted on them. Alexander Lukashenko has been ruling the country since 1994 and shows no sign of giving up power. This is not the first vote he has rigged.
"The violent crackdown by the Belarusian authorities on opposition candidates and peaceful protesters in Minsk last night is truly deplorable. These acts are totally unacceptable and are an offense to the European Union and the democratic world. On behalf of the EPP, I offer my full solidarity to the democratic opposition in Belarus," the EPP President declared.
At least 230 people and seven candidates detained in Minsk (UPDATED) Trials will take place on Monday. PHOTO AND VIDEO OF ACTION DISPERSAL + A LIST OF THE DETAINED and phone numbers to find out what has happened to your relatives and friends.
Akrestsina phone numbers where some of the detained are kept: 220 44 42, 372 74 28, and Pershamaiski District Department of the Interior: 280 02 02. Moscow District Department of the Interior: 286 22 02, 208 78 15, October District Department of the Interior: 222 04 42, 222 04 46, Central District Department of the Interior: 288 02 02, 288 78 84.
A mop-up operation occurred at the Independence Square. People are transported in the police vans. One of the detained, Tatstsyana, informed live on air that 35 people had been detained and were transported to the direction of the Minsk belt road.
LIST OF THE DETAINED (updated): Serada Aliaksej Klysheika Vadzim Miatselskaya Yalina Shkabara Vital Serabrakova Veranika Chuchval Siarhej Suhadulski Ivan Sukharevich Dzianis Pashtavy Anton Kniha Anastasia Zaleshchuk Raman Kazlou Siarhej Kazets Aliaksandr Melnichenka Anton Jazerski Siarhej Sakret Jauhen Eudakimau Aliaksej Hrybouskaya Tatsiana Kravets Artsiom Pabchanka Aliaksandr Hudzen Diana Lazarava Anastasia Lazarau Piotr Suslava Aliaksandra Dainiak Hanna Nasuta Andrej Bareichuk Sviatlana Kavaliou Siarhej Janukovich Alena Sharuba Hanna Ahreitsovich Aliaksandr Koushyk Diana Kashniarova Hanna
Volia Chaichyts
23.20. A mop-up operation is happening at the Independence Square. The crowd is broken into parts, riot policemen beat and detain people. A number of police vans stand near the House of Government, some of them have left, full with people. Military men of the internal troops joined the riot policemen.
22.58. Riot police break into the column of people and is running to the Lenin’s monument, beating people. Someone in the crowd says they have beaten Vital Rymasheuski and dragged him to the police department. Rymasheuski is not seen anywhere. The leaders of the action call on people not to leave and demand the police should stop beating people.
22.50. It is unknown why the special forces relocate. A presidential candidate Vital Rymasheuski’s head has been severely injured.
22.40. Controversial information with regard to negotiations between the leaders of the action and the special forces. According to some information, the presidential candidates did not enter the House of government.
22.30. The demonstrants started breaking the doors. Riot police with shields appeared and forced the people back from the building.
22.25. No information from the opposition leaders who went to negotiate. The demonstrants start breaking the doors.
22.10. The leaders of the action have approached the House of Government to negotiate with the special forces representatives. They demand new election without Lukashenka.
21.49. The information that people are breaking glass in the House of Government appeared. However, the leaders of the action stated it was a provocation and led the people back from the building.
21.45. Information about storming the “Tell the Truth!” campaign office has not confirmed.
21.40.Euroradio’s correspondent Zmitser Lukashuk, the audio apparatus has been installed near the Red Catholic Cathedral. Andrei Sannikau made a speech. It became known that “Tell the Truth” office was occupied by riot police.
21.30. There is no free space near the Pedagogical University at the Independence Square. Our correspondent Artsyom Martynovich informed that the riot policemen had said they would use special technical means against the demonstrants.
21.20. Many people go along the avenue. There is an information that there are 20 thousand people there. People chant “Leave” and “Freedom!” Someone lit red fireworks, the traffic police do not interfere. They approach hotel “Minsk”. Andrej Sannikau and Vital Rymasheuski are there. [21:59:24]
The World Movement for Democracy has issued a Democracy Alert outlining rights violated in the run up to the crackdown in Belarus and have also provided more information resources on violations that occurred during and after the presidential election in Belarus:
Now is the time for all people of good will to demonstrate their solidarity with the democratic opposition in Belarus and to demand that fundamental human rights be respected and that the time has arrived for the dictator Alexander Lukashenko to step down. Every little bit helps. Take a stand. Sign a petition. If there is an embassy or consulate nearby representing Belarus hold a candlelight vigil or a picket demanding an end to the violence and freedom for all those unjustly detained. Amnesty International has weighed in demanding an end to the clampdown on the opposition.
In the video below several riot police knock down a non-violent protester and kick him repeatedly:
"Those who profess to favor freedom and yet depreciate agitation, are people who want crops without ploughing the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning; they want the ocean without the roar of its many waters. The struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, or it may be both. But it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand; it never has and it never will." - Frederick Douglass
Update for December 24, 2010 sent by Denis Baranov of Free Belarus
Some updates: - still no lawyer meeting with Vladimir Niekliayev; - 5 people were detained today during the solidarity candle picket at Akrestsina jail; - 13 women being held in a 8-person cell went on a hunger strike; - state tried to take custody of Andrei Sannikov & Irina Khalip's 3-year-old son; Irina Khalip's parents filed for guardianship; - it seems that the rumors of people being transferred to Hrodna & Homiel are just rumors but it may end up that only a few prisoners were taken there.
Thank you for the feedback you are sending and for the support you are providing! To those who celebrate it, Merry Christmas!
Update for December 26, 2010 sent by Denis Baranov of Free Belarus
Although Belarus is the only country in the world where both Eastern & Western Christmas days are official holidays, the KGB works at all times. On Saturday, they conducted searches at homes & offices of activists and media outlets: - Viachaslau Siuchyk, human rights activist (home) - Alieh Volchak, lawyer & HR activist (home) - Uladzimir Khalip, father of Iryna Khalip (home) - Aliaksandar Arastovich, former official agent of Statkievich (home) - Aliaksanadr Atroshchankau, Sannikov's press-secretary & currently imprisoned (home) - Andrei Sannikov, former candidate & currently imprisoned (home) - Natallia Radzina, editor-in-chief of Charter'97 & currently imprisoned (home) - Zmitsier Bandarenka, former official agent of Sannikov & currently imprisoned (home) - Alies Mikhalievich, former candidate & currently imprisoned (home) - United Civil Party of Belarus (HQ) - European Radio for Belarus (Minsk office that houses the news team & production room) - BelSat (unofficial Minsk office, the apartment belongs to Mikahlievich)
The KGB seized mostly computers (laptops & towers) as well as data storage & some printed materials.
Of the good news, Andrei Dmitriyev's lawyer was allowed to meet with him on Saturday, which is a bit strange because it wasn't a visitation day at the KGB detention center. He seems to be in a good condition.
Update for December 29, 2010 sent by Denis Baranov of Free Belarus
- Everyone who was sentenced to 10-day arrest was released today. The government drove people in buses around Minsk and let them at random locations so that the prisoners could not be greeted with a large crowd. Several people of the released had untreated fractures. - All citizens of Russia and the young man who was snatched out of his mother's car were released early. - Six of nine candidates were indicted with promoting events that led to riots. Arrests for everyone indicted were ordered for 2 months. - Alies Mikhalievich is the only one who has not been charged. His 10-day detention expires on December 30. - Vladimir Niekliayev suffered a hypertension emergency. His lawyer says he is on stroke watch and not hospitalized. - A lawyer for Natalya Radina (editor-in-chief of Charter'97 website) says she still is not healed after the beating at the time of detention and bleeds from her ears. - Poland announced that starting January 1 all Belarusian citizens could receive extended national visa for free. They also started a blacklist for people involved in rigging elections & repressions of protesters (police officers, judges, business managers, etc). The blacklist will apply to the entire European Union because of the common border policy.
Update for January 5, 2011 sent by Denis Baranov of Free Belarus
The human rights watchdog NGO Spring '96 published the most complete list of persons charged with inciting & participating in riots on December 19 as well as the current suspects in the case.
Charged - 23 persons - (in alphabetical order): - Arastovich, Aliaksandar - Statkievich's election agent (under arrest) - Atroshchankau, Aliaksandar - Sannikau's campaign press-secretary (under arrest) - Bandarenka, Zmitsier - coordinator of the civil movement "European Belarus" (under arrest) - Dzmitryjeu, Andrei - Niakliayeu's campaign manager - Fiaduta, Aliaksandar - Niakliayeu's campaign coordinator (under arrest) - Khalip, Iryna - journalist, Sannikau's wife (under arrest) - Klaskouski, Aliaksandar - former police officer, protester (under arrest) - Kobiets, Uladzimir - Sannikau's campaign manager (under arrest) - Korban, Alieh - one of the leaders of UCPB's youth wing "Young Democrats" (under arrest) - Liabiedzka, Anatol - UCPB chairman (under arrest) - Likhavid, Mikita - activist of "For Freedom" movement, 15-day arrest sentenced annulled, and status changed to charged (under arrest) - Martsylieu, Siarhei - Statkievich's campaign manager (under arrest) - Mikhalievich, Aliaksei (Alies) - former presidential candidate (under arrest) - Niakliayeu, Uladzimir - former presidential candidate (under arrest) - Novik, Dzmitry - alleged participant in the protest (under arrest) - Palazhanka, Anastasia - deputy chairman of "Young Front" (under arrest) - Paulau, Anatol - Ramanchuk's election agent (under arrest) - Radzina, Natallia - editor-in-chief of Charter'97 website (under arrest) - Rymasheuski, Vital - former presidential candidate (on recognizance not to leave) - Sannikau, Andrei - former presidential candidate (under arrest) - Sieviaryniets, Paval - Rymasheuski's election agent (under arrest) - Statkievich, Mikalai - former presidential candidate (under arrest) - Vazniak, Siarhei - Niakliayeu's election agent (under arrest)
Suspects - 10 persons - (in alphabetical order): - Breus, Artyom - Russian citizen (under arrest) - Gaponov, Ivan - Russian citizen (under arrest) - Davydzienka, Anton - status changed after serving 10-day sentence (under arrest) - Fiedarkievich, Andrei - 10-day sentence annulled, status changed to suspect (under arrest) - Kastusiou, Ryhor - former presidential candidate (on recognizance not to leave) - Kavalienka, Usievalad - potential suspect, status changed after serving 15-day sentence (on recognizance not to leave) - Kliuyeu, Siarhei - status changed after serving 15-day sentence (on recognizance not to leave) - Krasnou, Mikita - suspect status indicated in the warrant for the search on December 27 (currently, outside of Belarus) - Loban, Uladzimir - status changed after serving 10-day sentence (under arrest) - Us, Dzmitry - former presidential candidate (on recognizance not to leave)
In addition Zmitsier Dashkievich (Young Front's chairman) and Eduard Lobau (Young Front activist) are charged with hooliganism for an alleged assault of some person and have been under arrest since December 18, 2010.
Belarus Free Theater is participating in the Under The Radar festival in New York City. They are performing Being Harold Pinter almost every day until January 16. Some shows are already sold out. The tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/793965
Natalya Koliada will be in Washington, DC, for some meetings in US government on January 6-7. We are trying to find out whether she will have time for a meeting with the diaspora & others here.
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