SDP’s MP Kimmo Kiljunen: Show Your Support for the Belarusian Democratic Forces

– The democratic forces and civil society representatives in the country continue to face relentless persecution as the repression by the authoritarian President Lukashenko continues in Belarus. There are thousands of political prisoners, and many leading opposition figures have fled the country. For them, expressions of international support on this anniversary are more important than ever, says Kimmo Kiljunen, Chair of the Finnish Parliament’s Friendship Group for Democratic Belarus.

Although Lukashenko continues to silence the opposition and dissent with an iron fist, Belarusians’ hope for a democratic and free Belarus remains alive. For them, cooperation and international support from the European Union and other actors committed to democracy are vital.

– Since 2020, courageous opposition leaders such as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Maryia Kalesnikava and Ales Bialiatski have been fighting for civil rights and democracy. They have called for the release of political prisoners, respect for human rights, and the right of the Belarusian people to decide their own future. You can support their work by sharing a photo or video on social media featuring the white-red-white colours of the Belarusian flag. This will encourage all those who, at home or in exile, continue to keep freedom in their hearts, Kiljunen says.