"Statkevich Clearly Told The Border Guards That He Refused To Leave Belarus"

• 17.09.2025, 13:52

Maxim Viniarski told about the meeting with the leader of the Belarusian opposition.

Belarusian opposition leader Nikola Statkevich refused to leave Belarus during the forced deportation of political prisoners to Lithuania. On September 11, at the border, he knocked down the doors of the bus carrying the prisoners and ran out into Belarus.

The website Charter97.org spoke to the coordinator of the civil campaign "European Belarus" Maksim Viniarski, who was on the same bus with Statkevich that day:

- I saw Nikolai Viktorovich Statkevich trying to get off the bus in order to return back to Belarus, got off together with him. We talked to the border guards of the Republic of Belarus, who tried to convince us that we should leave quickly in the direction of Lithuania. Nikolai Viktorovich clearly stated that he was not going to leave the country, especially in such a variant - to be deported without documents. Statkevich showed that he is a leader who considers himself responsible for the country.

- What did Nikolai Statkevich look like at that moment? What impressions did he make on you personally after so many years of imprisonment?

- In these conditions, all people look changed, but Statkevich was absolutely recognizable. When I entered the KGB cell in Amerikanka, I recognized Nikolai Viktorovich immediately. But, of course, age and the harsh conditions of the previous prison did not add to his health.

- How do you assess Statkevich's act, who refused to leave Belarus, despite all the threats and pressure of the regime?

- He absolutely understood the consequences of this step. But as a man who has repeatedly taken responsibility for difficult decisions, he acted the same way this time - promptly and harshly.

The way a person, who is responsible not only for himself, but also ready to be responsible for his country and people as a whole, should act.

- What, in your opinion, should be done now by Belarusians, the international community and political forces to save Nikolai Statkevich and other political prisoners?

- We need to continue pressure on Lukashenko's regime in all available forms. I am sure that if those who negotiate such exchanges take a tough stance and declare that throwing people out of the country without documents is a violation of the agreements, it is quite possible that it will force the Lukashenko regime to act differently. And all political prisoners may find themselves at liberty in the near future.