Next week we'll deliver your signature in solidarity with human rights defenders in Belarus | View in browser.

“Our Constitution is such that even for a man this [presidency] is a heavy burden. And if one placed it on a woman, she would collapse, poor thing.” – President Alyaksandr Lukashenko, June 2020

Dear John,

Women have been at the forefront of the protests and opposition movement in Belarus, in stark contrast to deeply entrenched discriminatory attitudes within both state institutions and society. As a result, women also have been disproportionately affected by the severe clampdown on human rights.  

Politically active women and women partners of political activists are often targeted in gender-specific ways believed to exploit patriarchal notions of weaknesses and vulnerability. These include smear campaigns, dismissive commentary, and threats of sexual violence or severe consequences against family members.

>> You can act in solidarity with women human rights defenders in Belarus now by demanding an end to the violence and impunity. We will deliver your signature to authorities next week.

“Our fight is a fight for freedom, for democracy and for human dignity.” –Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, September 2020  

When Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya stood as a presidential candidate in place of her detained husband Syarhei Tsikhanouski – a political activist and popular blogger now recognized as a prisoner of conscience – she was forced to send her two young children out of Belarus after receiving an anonymous threat that they would be taken into state custody. Following further threats, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya – who many believe won the August 9 election – was forced into exile in Lithuania.   

Together with Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Veranika Tsapkala, Maryia Kalesnikava led an electoral challenge to incumbent President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. After the other two left the country, Maryia Kalesnikava emerged as the highest-profile opposition figure in Belarus and appeared on the frontline of numerous peaceful street protests, repeatedly confronting abusive police officers. She now faces up to 5 years in prison on charges of "actions aimed at undermining Belarusian national security".  

WATCH VIDEO: Hundreds of women detained by police
during peaceful protest

Every day, thousands of Belarusian people continue to take to the streets across the country to protest what they see as a rigged presidential election.  

The police crackdown has been brutal and unrelenting: widespread arrests –over 14,000 people have been detained, including dozens of journalists –harassment and intimidation, and rubber bullets, stun grenades, tear gas and water cannons used against protesters. 
 
This week, the Interior Minister threatened to use live ammunition. 

>> Sign this petition to demand that the police violence end now, and those responsible are held to account. Next week we'll deliver your signature together with over 130,000 from around the world.  

Amnesty International and local human rights groups have collected horrifying testimonies from protesters who describe being tortured or subjected to other ill-treatment in detention centres, including being stripped naked, beaten, and threatened with rape.  

These are people whose only “crime” was to take to the streets in peaceful protest. What we are seeing in Belarus is a human rights catastrophe that demands urgent action.  

Thank you for joining over 130,000 Amnesty supporters around the world letting the Belarus government know that the world is watching.  

In solidarity,  

Hilary  

Hilary Homes  
Crisis & Tactical Campaigner  
Amnesty International Canada  
 

P.S. Belarusians demanding respect for their human rights on the streets need solidarity from people like you. Make sure your name is added to the global petition to stop the violence and hold those responsible to account.