Dzmitry Dashkevich, YEPP ‘Freedom Prize’ holder and leader of “Young Front” was released yesterday from the Belarus prison where he was held for nearly 3 years. He was imprisoned in 2010 for standing for his democratic ideals in a country where freedom is suppressed by the Lukashenko regime.
We find it crucial to increase awareness of the oppressive situation in Belarus. Indeed, the last 18 years of Lukashenko’s dictatorship led to a sharp deterioration of human rights in the political sphere and in the society overall.
While we welcome the good news, the situation in Belarus has not improved for the people. Dzmitry will remain under police supervision and is not allowed to leave his home from 20:00 to 06:00. However, despite the continuous threats and oppression, upon his release Dzmitry reaffirmed that he will continue his political activism in favor for democratic reform in the country.
YEPP will continue its fight for freedom and human rights in Belarus, inspired by Dzmitry and his fellow activists.
