A Liverpool FC supporter, Andrei Aliaksandrau, marks four years in prison, singing daily to cope with his unjust detention in Belarus
Andrei was arrested in January 2021 in Belarus and sentenced to 14 years. Initially, he faced charges for organizing protests, but they later escalated to high treason. The authorities claimed he and his partner, Irina Zlobina, helped cover costs for those detained during protests against election fraud.
This month marks a tough anniversary for the couple. Andrei is also facing a hefty fine, while Irina received a nine-year sentence. Human rights groups like ARTICLE 19 are rallying for their release, emphasizing that Andrei is simply a voice for freedom of expression.
Jessica Ní Mhainín from Index on Censorship highlighted how long Andrei has been unjustly detained. He’s done nothing wrong but stand up for basic rights. Andrei, a journalist, was known for his dedication to press freedom, and his friends are worried he might not be getting their letters.
Despite the challenges, Andrei keeps his Liverpool spirit alive, reciting the club’s anthem daily. His former colleagues say he’s passionate about raising awareness of the situation in Belarus. As the country approaches elections, there’s hope for change for political prisoners like him.
