Belarusian human rights defender Nasta Loika has been arbitrarily detained since September 6, 2022, on trumped up charges of “petty hooliganism”. She is being denied access to her lawyer, warm clothing, and basic necessities, as well as to the medical care she requires. Nasta Loika is being targeted solely for her human rights activism and must be immediately released.
TAKE ACTION:- Please take action as-soon-as possible. This Urgent Action expires on November 21, 2022.
- Write a letter in your own words or using the sample below as a guide to one or both government officials listed. You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.
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Andrey Shved
Prosecutor General of the Republic of Belarus
Vul. Internatsianalnaya, 22 220030 Minsk, Belarus
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @prokuraturaby
Charge d’Affaires Mr. Pavel Shidlovsky
Embassy of Belarus
1619 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202 986 9420 I Fax: 202 986 1805
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @BelarusEmbUSA
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Prosecutor General,
I am deeply worried about the arbitrary detention of prominent human rights defender Nasta (Anastasia) Loika. On September 22, 2022, the Frunzenski District Court of Minsk sentenced her to 15 days’ detention on purported “petty hooliganism” charges, a violation under Article 19.1 of the Code of Administrative Offences. Before that, on September 7, 2022, Nasta Loika was already sentenced to 15 days on the same charges.
Nasta Loika is being denied access to her lawyer. The authorities are also refusing her request for a medical examination that she requires, and she is not allowed warm clothes and other basic necessities.
Nasta Loika is a well-known human rights defender, human rights educator and expert on refugee rights.
Her persecution is yet another blow to freedom of expression and human rights in Belarus. She is being targeted for her legitimate activities as a human rights defender and has committed no crime.
I urge you to ensure that Nasta Loika is released immediately and all charges against her are dropped. In the meantime, I urge you to ensure that she is treated in accordance with international standards for the treatment of prisoners.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
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