“The murder of the well-known Belarusian journalist Pavel Sharamet, that happened in Kiev in the morning of 20 July is not just a news lightning. This is a lightning that strikes only a high tree. Pavel was that prominent, wherever he worked – in Belarus, Russia or Ukraine. His human and professional adherence to principle, uncompromising stand and authority are the reasons why he got in Belarusian prison, why he chose the difficult path of defending the freedom of speech in Russia, and why he left a bright trace in the Ukrainian journalism”, – said Tatsiana Reviaka, the president of the Belarusian Human Rights House.
Tatsiana Reviaka shared her memories of the meeting with human rights defenders, which Pavel Sharamet attended in January this year: “Wherever Pavel worked, Belarus was always on his mind. All of the most significant events were reflected in his comments, essays and texts. In January 2016 Pavel Sheremet attended the meeting of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus Miklós Haraszti with Belarusian human rights defenders that took place in the Barys Zvozskau Belarusian human rights house in Vilnius. We discussed the current situation, the changes taking place in Belarus, the prospects for the future. Pavel was ironic and at the same time optimistic as always, with incredible sense of humor and deep reflections. With plans, hopes and faith in the future. Today he is gone.”
The Barys Zvozskau Belarusian Human Rights House strongly condemns the murder and hopes that the organizers and perpetrators of this murder will be found and punished. We express our most sincere condolences to the family of Pavel, his relatives, friends and colleagues.
