The Nobel Committee is following the situation of Ales Bialiatski and political prisoners in Belarus with great concern

Ales Bialiatski in court, March 3, 2023. Source: spring96.org

"Your influential voice, amplified by the immense moral authority of the Nobel Committee, could significantly raise international awareness about the catastrophic human rights situation and ongoing repression in Belarus", emphasized Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, in his appeal to the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

In his letter, Pavel Latushka requested the Committee to consider the possibility of broader and more consistent public support for the release of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and head of the human rights center "Viasna", Ales Bialiatski, as well as all political prisoners in Belarus.

"Continued support is crucial for maintaining pressure on the Belarusian authorities and ensuring that the fate of those unjustly imprisoned is not forgotten.

The Nobel Peace Prize has brought much-needed global attention to Ales Bialiatski’s fate and the broader struggle for human rights in Belarus. However, the situation remains critical, and international attention is gradually fading", noted Pavel Latushka in his letter.

In its response, the Norwegian Nobel Committee stated that Pavel Latushka’s request "will be submitted for the Committee’s attention at its next meeting".

Although the Nobel Committee emphasized that it very rarely expresses its opinion, in the few cases when it does, the focus is on the situation of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski.

The Committee stressed that "The Chair and members of the Committee are following the situation in Belarus with great concern".

Director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, Kristian Berg Harpviken, assured in his response that he would continue to monitor developments regarding Pavel Latushka’s appeal and provide further information.

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