Nobel Laureate Ales Bialiatski Calls for Sustained Pressure on Belarus to Free Political Prisoners

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski has stressed the importance of maintaining sustained international pressure on Belarus to ensure the release of political prisoners, following his first meeting with the Nobel Committee in Oslo.

Speaking after the meeting, Bialiatski said that the continued detention of human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists remains one of the most pressing issues facing the country. He underlined that global diplomatic and political pressure is critical to advancing further releases.

Bialiatski was released from custody in mid-December after an agreement between Belarus and the United States, which included the easing of certain economic sanctions. Despite his release, he cautioned that hundreds of others remain imprisoned on politically motivated charges.

The veteran activist founded Viasna, a prominent human rights organisation that has documented alleged abuses in Belarus for decades. He has long been viewed by Belarusian authorities as a leading figure in the country’s pro-democracy movement.

Bialiatski was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022 while still in detention, alongside rights organisations from Russia and Ukraine. At the time, he was unable to attend the ceremony, which took place amid heightened tensions following the war in Ukraine.

During his visit to Oslo, Bialiatski met members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee for the first time and was formally presented with his Nobel diploma. He said the award came as a surprise, noting that he had never expected to be selected among a field of many deserving candidates. According to estimates by rights groups, more than 1,100 political prisoners remain behind bars in Belarus. Bialiatski reiterated that international engagement must continue until all detainees are released and fundamental freedoms are restored.