Exhibition on Repression in Belarus Opens in Bremen on the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
On 18 March, the International Day of Political Prisoners, a solidarity action was held in Bremen to draw attention to the fate of people deprived of their liberty for political reasons. Particular attention on this day was given to Belarusian trade union political prisoners.
At the Bremen Trade Union House, Salidarnast / BKDP, together with DGB Bremen, opened an exhibition featuring portraits of trade union political prisoners currently held in Belarusian prisons. Roll-up displays with photographs and information about the repression of the independent trade union movement in Belarus were installed in the foyer of the building.
Representatives of Belarusian and German trade unions took part in the opening of the exhibition. Christian Wechselbaum, Chair of DGB Bremen, stressed that this is not a distant problem, but one concerning the fundamental rights of human beings and workers.
He noted that “the exhibition shows the faces of colleagues who remain imprisoned today — because they are doing what is natural for us: organising protests, speaking out, and fighting for better working conditions.”
“This makes it clear: the issue is not that we are ‘far away’. The issue is fundamental rights. This exhibition gives prisoners a face — and reminds us that solidarity knows no borders. Our position is clear: freedom for imprisoned trade unionists! Trade union rights are human rights!”
He also recalled that German trade unions have consistently spoken out against Russian aggression in Ukraine, noting that Salidarnast, working in Bremen, has become an important voice of the independent Belarusian trade union movement in exile and a significant partner for German trade unions.
Ulrich Breitbach of IG Metall noted that his union has consistently raised the issue of repression in Belarus and conducted information campaigns calling for the release of trade union activists, including Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, Aliaksandr Yarashuk, and others. At the same time, he reminded the audience that dozens of people persecuted for their civic and trade union stance still remain in Belarusian prisons today.
Also speaking at the opening was former political prisoner and BKDP leader Aliaksandr Yarashuk. Standing next to the portrait of Valentin Tserenievich, he recalled that they had been held in the same prison and spoke about the inhuman conditions in which political prisoners are kept in Belarus.
“Despite the fact that they are being held in inhuman, Gulag-like conditions, our people remain true human beings there… This is what totalitarianism leads to. We must do everything so that no country in the world ever has such a system.”
Aliaksandr Yarashuk thanked all those present for their support and for the solidarity of the international trade union movement with those who oppose repression in Belarus.
“I felt your support while I was behind bars, and this is what sustains their spirit today. This invisible connection helps them greatly.”
Speaking on behalf of Salidarnast, Lizaveta Merliak called on German partners to continue providing practical support to Belarusian democratic forces and to help protect those who are forced to leave the country urgently because of pressure from the dictatorship.
In her remarks, she also stressed the importance of preserving and strengthening international monitoring mechanisms, including the instruments of the International Labour Organization, which make it possible to exert pressure on regimes that violate freedom of association. It is particularly important that DGB should continue to remain one of the leading workers’ organisations supporting international mechanisms for the protection of trade union rights and advocating for more active discussion of the situation in Belarus at the tripartite level — with the participation of workers, employers and the German government.
The exhibition at the Bremen Trade Union House will remain open for one month. The organisers hope that many people will see it and that it will once again serve as a reminder that democracy at work and freedom of association are worth fighting for.
Comments