Dr. Bialiatski is a scholar of Belarusian literature and a human rights advocate. He was subjected to politically motivated charges that led to his ten-year prison sentence in 2023. Conditions of his detention are harsh even though the recently underwent surgery.
https://prisoners.spring96.org/en/person/ales-bjaljackiy
https://charter97.org/en/news/2025/9/25/657001/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
October 1, 2025
Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko, President
Independence Palace, Parspiekt
Pieramozcau Avenue
Minsk, Republic of Belarus
Fax: +375 17 226 06 10
Dear President Lukashenko,
The Committee of Concerned Scientists is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We are writing to you a second time regarding the ongoing imprisonment of the Nobel Laureate, Ales Bialiatski, founder of the human rights organization Viasna. He is one of the most respected voices for democracy and human dignity in Belarus and throughout the world. He is a renowned scholar of Belarusian literature, who has authored books and essays on a variety of topics, including history, literature, and civic values. He also served as vice president of the International Federation for Human Rights.
In July 2021, Dr. Bialiatski was accused of tax evasion. This charge was later dropped, only to be replaced with an accusation of “smuggling cash and financing actions that violate public order,” which has been widely viewed as an attempt to cloak political motivations for his arrest. On March 3, 2023, a court in Minsk sentenced Dr. Bialiatski to ten years in prison. According to reports, he has been held under inhumane conditions ever since. In September 2025, he underwent leg surgery.
We respectfully ask for Dr. Bialitski’s release on humanitarian grounds. At the very least, his health status should be made public. He should also be provided with full regular medical treatment for his chronic conditions, as well as access to lawyers, family, and pastoral counseling.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
CC:
Marco Antonio Rubio
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
USA
Phone: (202) 647-4000
X: @SecRubio