Minister of Foreign Affairs
Vladimir Makei
Lenina str 19
220030  Minsk 
BELARUS 



Dijk en Waard, datum

Dear Minister,


I am  writing You as a person who is also in his own country concerned with the respect of Human Rights. Please allow me to express my great concern about te situation of 

MARFA RABKOVA

Marfa Rabkova is a member the prominent human rights NGO Viasna. She was arbitrarily detained on 17 September 2020 in retaliation for exposing the brutality of Belarusian law enforcement officers against peaceful demonstrators following the disputed presidential elections on 9 August 2020.  

Marfa Rabkova was initially charged with ‘training and other preparation of people for participation in mass riots’, ‘incitement of racial, national, religious or other social hatred or discord committed by a group’, and ‘membership of a criminal organization’ and was facing up to 12 years in prison. 
In late November 2021 she was charged with additional counts, bringing it to a total of 11. 
On September 6 2022, the Minsk City Court sentenced Marfa Rabkova, as coordinator of the volunteer service of the Human Rights Center Viasna, to 15 years in prison

Despite worrying symptoms and a deterioration of her health, the prison authorities continue denying her requests for medical care.

Marfa Rabkova is a prisoner of conscience, targeted solely for her peaceful human rights work. 
Therefore I urge You, as MFA of Belarus to release Marfa Rabkova immediately and unconditionally.

Thank you for your attention in this important matter, and I am looking forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely and respectfully,


ondertekening