(Washington, DC) — The Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC) has worked diligently this year to ensure the passage of the Belarus Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2011, supporting democracy in Belarus. On Tuesday, December 20, the final bill passed Congress and will now go to the White House for signature as Public Law.
On December 19 – the one-year anniversary of the renewed crackdown by the Lukashenka regime – Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), chairman of the Helsinki Commission, held a press conference at the U.S. Capitol, to draw attention to the situation in Belarus, and the legislation. JBANC Managing Director Karl Altau spoke at the press conference. JBANC’s statement for the record is given below.
JBANC Statement On The Anniversary Of The 2010 Election Fraud And Continuing Repression In Belarus
The Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. (JBANC), representing one million Americans of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian heritage, remembers the terrible crackdown a year ago in Belarus by that regime against its own citizens. It happened in the aftermath of the fraudulent presidential election of December 19, 2010, which was stolen – again – by Lukashenka. What followed was widespread violence against peaceful protestors, including the beatings and arrests of hundreds of concerned citizens, journalists and opposition members. Many remain in prison a year later, including presidential candidates Andrei Sannikau and Mikalai Statkevich, and human rights activist Ales Byalyatski.
A year later, Lukashenka appears entrenched. But dictatorships can suddenly become fragile, as we’ve seen this past year, and as witnessed in 1989 – 1991. This situation will end, with help.
As the Belarus Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2011 has now passed in the Senate, we look forward to its final passage. It sends a reinforcing message on this anniversary and we stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus who want democracy, dignity, and a free society.
Our sincere gratitude goes to Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Helsinki Commission, and other Members of the House and Senate for supporting this very important measure. It speaks action and sends a vital message that we are watching, and we care about what happens in Belarus.
Prisoner releases are an important first step. Provisions of the Belarus Democracy and Human Rights Act would expand visa denials and targeted sanctions against leadership and others who commit human rights abuses and undertake anti-democratic actions in Belarus. It also authorizes media broadcasting support for Belarus, including for the satellite television channel Belsat-TV, which transmits alternative broadcasting into Belarus, often to citizens who can hear no other voice other than official government channels.
Both the Bush and Obama Administrations have made effective use of previous legislation. We hope that the Act, once signed by the President, will be fully implemented and supported.
JBANC, which has represented the Baltic-American communities since 1961, shares a great interest in promoting democracy in Belarus. As Americans of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian heritage, we understand the significance of this, and of positive and constructive transatlantic relations. Baltic independence was restored twenty years ago, so it is painful to see the highly repressive and authoritarian regime remains in neighboring Belarus, with the worst human rights record in Europe, continuing its contempt for the rule of law and freedom of expression. This is so contrary to the Baltic experience. The Baltic countries remain pro-active in support of building a future open society and democracy in Belarus. Lithuania, for example, has since 2004 hosted the European Humanities University, a Belarusian university in exile.
We urge that the United States and other Western governments keep standing with the people of Belarus and continue protesting the ongoing crackdown and violence against it citizens.
On this anniversary, we should also remember Vaclav Havel, Czech President, playwright, dissident, and peaceful revolutionary who died yesterday. He contributed much for freedom and democracy, and Belarus was a special source for his attention, along with Cuba, and Burma. The Belarusan Charter 97, after all, was inspired by Charter 77. May we continue our work in Havel’s spirit and to help broaden his legacy!
December 19, 2011
