1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to use your political influence to engage State Department in dialogue with the Belarusian government and explore all possible avenues to secure the release of Ales Bialiatski and other political prisoners. Your support in advocating for their freedom is essential. We believe your leadership can help bring positive change and uphold human rights in Belarus. Ales Bialiatski, a renowned Belarusian human rights defender and 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been unjustly imprisoned since July 14, 2021. Sentenced to 10 years in prison, Mr. Bialiatski is the founder and head of the Viasna Human Rights Center, which has tirelessly defended human rights in Belarus for decades. His arrest is part of a broader crackdown on civil society following the 2020 protests against the regime of Alexander Lukashenko. Mr. Bialiatski is also the recipient of the U.S. Department of State's 2011 Human Rights Defenders Award, recognizing his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights. Despite his international recognition, Mr. Bialiatski remains in prison, enduring inhumane conditions, including solitary confinement. His health is a serious concern, as he has been isolated from the outside world, denied all communication with his family and legal counsel, and deprived of essential food parcels and medical assistance. On September 25, Mr. Bialiatski will mark his 62nd birthday in prison, forced to wear a yellow patch on his clothing—a symbol disturbingly reminiscent of historical persecution. This grim reminder underscores that political repression persists in Belarus, where over 1,400 political prisoners remain incarcerated. Since 2020, at least six political prisoners have died in Belarusian jails due to torture or denial of medical treatment. The Belarusian regime systematically targets human rights defenders, activists, and journalists for their peaceful efforts to protect the rights of others. Recent diplomatic efforts have led to the release of political prisoners in other countries, and I believe similar measures could be successful in Belarus. I urge you to consider engaging in dialogue with the Belarusian government to secure the release of Ales Bialiatski and other political prisoners. The United States has long championed human rights and democracy worldwide, and your intervention could play a critical role in securing their freedom. I would be happy to provide any additional information that may assist in addressing this urgent matter. More information on Ales Bialiatski can be found at: https://freeales.org/en. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I look forward to your response.