Three Belarusian political prisoners awarded prestigious Czech prize "Stories of Injustice"
Previously, the award was given to fighters against the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia. For the first time in history, the prize will be awarded to representatives of another country – Belarus: student Kseniya Syramalot, representative of the anarchist movement Mikita Yemelyanau and indomitable mother of two minor children Palina Sharenda-Panasyuk. Palina’s husband Andrei Sharenda told Belsat.
Student and volunteer of the human rights center “Viasna,” Kseniya Syramalot was sentenced to 2.5 years in the “student case.” The girl was accused of organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate public order. Kseniya always believed in the power of student solidarity and self-organization. She dreamed of a TV series about students and was confident that the Belarusians would succeed. The girl has been in captivity for more than a year.
Mikita Yemelyanau was sentenced to four years in prison under three articles of the Criminal Code, the man has been behind bars for more than two years.
Palina Sharenda-Panasyuk was detained in her own house on January 3. On June 9, a Brest court sentenced her to two years in jail. Palina was found guilty under three articles of the Criminal Code at once: “Insulting the President” (Article 368), “Insulting a representative of the authorities” (Article 369) and “Violence or threat of violence against an officer of the Interior” (Article 364). Palina did not plead guilty and believes that she was captured.
“The revolution of dignity started a year ago in Belarus and is still going on. And our revolution already has its heroes. Among them are the heroes who continue to fight for freedom even in captivity. They deserve attention most of all. They are unconquered. We are glad that Palina, Kseniya and Mikita received this award. This is real support for them and all political prisoners. Palina is sure that we will win, the main thing is not to stop,” said Andrei Sharenda, Palina’s husband, in a conversation with Belsat.
Andrei is also a political prisoner, several criminal cases were launched against him, but he managed to flee Belarus. It is interesting that Sharenda is persecuted abroad as well.
АЛ/ИР belsat.eu
