On 15 February, he reportedly entered a dry strike. Mackievič has been held in pre-trial detention in Minsk since 4 August 2021 on charges of organising and preparing actions that grossly violate public order, under Article 342 (1) of the Criminal Code of Belarus. He faces up to three years in prison if convicted.
PEN International believes that Uladzimir Mackievič is being targeted for his views and writings critical of the Belarusian authorities. The organisation calls for his immediate and unconditional release and for all charges against him to be dropped.
TAKE ACTION: Please send appeals to the Belarusian authorities, calling on them to:
- Release Uladzimir Mackievič immediately and unconditionally, and to drop all charges against him;
- Pending his release, respect Uladzimir Mackievič’s human rights, including the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment as it pertains to hunger strike, and his right to medical attention;
- Abide by their international human rights obligations and uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
Send appeals to:
Andrei Shved
Role: Prosecutor General of the Republic of Belarus
Address: Vul. Internatsianalnaya 22, 220030 Minsk, Belarus
Email: [email protected]
Vladimir Makei
Role: Minister of Foreign Affairs
Address: Vul. Lienina, 19, Minsk 220030, Belarus
Email: [email protected]
Send copies to the Embassy of Belarus in your own country. Embassy addresses may be found here: https://mfa.gov.by/en/bilateral/belarus/?asd50
Please reach out to your Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic representatives in Belarus, calling on them to raise Uladzimir Mackievič’s case in bilateral fora.
***Please send appeals immediately. Check with PEN International if sending appeals after 22 February 2022. ***
Please inform PEN International of any action you take and any responses you receive. Messages can be sent to Aurélia Dondo, Europe Programme Coordinator: [email protected]