Scores of political prisoners in Belarus, pardoned by the country’s authoritarian leader, were poised to cross the border into Lithuania last month, on the cusp of freedom. However, the scene took a dramatic turn when one prisoner, Mikalai Statkevich, stood up and boldly exited the vehicle, refusing what he termed a forced deportation. Now, since September 11, the 69-year-old opposition politician and former presidential candidate has not been seen.
Human rights advocates are demanding that Belarusian authorities provide answers about Statkevich’s whereabouts. He was among the 52 political prisoners released by President Alexander Lukashenko due to a deal facilitated by the United States. Fellow former prisoner Maksim Viniarski, who traveled with Statkevich on the bus, shared with The Associated Press that Statkevich seemed resolute and committed not only to his own freedom but also to the freedom of all Belarusians. His determination was evident as he left behind his desperately needed heart medication. “Statkevich disrupted Lukashenko’s script and proved that even sick... you can still resist dictatorship and lawlessness,” Viniarski said. Statkevich told him, “I won’t allow myself to be sold or for someone to decide where I live — or where I die.”
Security footage recorded six masked security operatives escorting Statkevich back into Belarus after he had spent hours in the no-man's-land at the Kamenny Loh border crossing. Despite President Lukashenko's claim that Statkevich was back in Belarus because “he’s our citizen after all,” he offered no further details. Statkevich’s defiant act echoed that of Maria Kolesnikova, known for resisting her own deportation attempt by tearing up her passport in 2020, which led to her being sentenced to 11 years in prison.
After his disappearance, Statkevich’s wife, Maryna Adamovich, returned to Belarus and attempted to visit him at a prison colony in Hlybokaye, only to be met with silence from officials. “The abuse continues. Trying to deport Mikalai, given his character, was a pointless undertaking,” she commented, highlighting Statkevich’s resilience despite a previous heart attack and harsh conditions.
There have been protests against the attempted deportation of Statkevich, with human rights activists pointing out the absence of information on his legal status after being pardoned. United Nations experts have underscored concerns of enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention, demanding Belarus reveal his condition and location.
Lukashenko’s decision to release 52 prisoners came after a discussion with US President Donald Trump that hinted at a potential improvement in diplomatic relations, further evidenced by the easing of sanctions against the national airline, Belavia. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, an opposition leader, criticized Lukashenko’s strategy as merely trading political prisoners like commodities.
Lukashenko, often described as “Europe’s last dictator,” has held power in Belarus for over three decades amid widespread allegations of election fraud and brutal repression of dissent. Following disputed elections in 2020, massive protests erupted, resulting in numerous arrests and crackdown on civil organizations. Human rights group Viasna estimates approximately 1,200 political prisoners remain in captivity, with reports of severe conditions.
Statkevich faced arrest, conviction for organizing mass unrest, and a 14-year prison sentence before the 2020 election, with Belarusian authorities later branding him an “extremist.” Despite being recognized multiple times by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience, Statkevich has spent more than 12 years in prison over his opposition efforts.
As the founder of the Belarusian Social Democratic People’s Hramada party, Statkevich has been a significant figure in Belarusian politics and a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism, earning him the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in his battle for democracy.
“Statkevich exemplifies the resilience and courage of a politician forced to work under a dictatorship,” Viniarski noted, emphasizing that Statkevich’s unwavering stance underscores the value of the principles he upholds.
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