My friend Dima Bandarenka

• 28.07.2011, 16:38

This week, the Belarusian regime has gone to yet another bizarre length in its treatment of political prisoners.

A spinal surgery was performed, without in-depth diagnostic preparation nor plans for proper rehabilitation, on Zmitser Bandarenka. His health has already been seriously compromised by more than seven months in detention, and this surgery risks his permanent disability. Outrage at the Belarusian government and solidarity with Zmitser Bandarenka has been considerable both domestically and internationally.

Zmitser, or Dima as friends call him, is a special man, a rock-solid and brave Belarusian patriot whose courage and belief in humanity and freedom have inspired many in Belarus and abroad. Dima is a rare combination of a strategic political thinker, skillful negotiator and freedom-fighter, without fear of police cordons or rough prison. He has regularly shown, and indeed grown, his talents and strength in the adverse conditions of Alexander Lukashenka’s dictatorial rule.

Let us hope that the recent wave of solidarity expressed by Belarusians and many personalities in Europe and the United States, combined with the love and tireless efforts of Dima’s wife Olga and daughter Julia, will allow this former athlete to quickly recover and to serve a free Belarus soon.

Pavol Demes
Foreign policy analyst and former Foreign Minister of Slovakia