Two endangered journalists from Belarus are taking part in West Pride

West Pride gives voice to some of the most famous LGBTQI activists in Belarus from the network of independent and inclusive journalists: «Journalists for Tolerance». These two LGBTQI activists participate in panel discussions in Pride House and hold fire speeches on stage in Pride Park during the festival.

The past year has been marked by huge protests in Belarus following another presidential election that was clearly manipulated. LGBTQI activists have been a visible element in the protests. This has been a clear contrast to neighbouring countries, led by some of Europe’s most outspoken gay, bisexual and transphobic politicians. The demands for democratic elections have been met by unprecedented violence from the regime and mass arrests. This repression has affected the entire civil society of the country who have been forced to go underground or go into exile.

Aleh Razhkou, co-founder of «Journalists for Tolerance» Human Rights Initiative, freelance journalist proclaims, «I am glad to be here around you and to have the opportunity to share my story and the story of my people. Probably you’ve already heard about the repressions after the presidential election last year. At the moment, there are more than seven hundred political prisoners in the country. Tens of thousands of Belarusians have been arrested since August 2020 for the term of 10-15 days. Among them, there were political leaders, human rights defenders, journalists and activists who were brave enough to stand up for democracy and human rights. They are tortured in prison, starved and, sometimes, raped. Thousands of people have left the country, having nothing with them. And it’s not a story from the past. It is happening in Belarus now».

The people of Belarus need our solidarity and pressure from politicians in democratic countries. West Pride shows its solidarity with the oppressed LGBTQ people in Belarus.