In a joint letter, Lawyers for Lawyers and the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) express serious concerns regarding the detention of Belarusian lawyer Alexander Danilevich.
According to the information we have received, on 20 May 2022, Alexander Danilevich was detained and placed in the pre-trial detention centre of the State Security Committee. It is reported that his detention is the result of criminal proceedings brought against him, but for which the charges remain unknown. In this regard, it also reported that persons with knowledge about the details of the case, signed non-disclosure agreements under threat of being held criminally liable for disclosure of information.
However, we have been informed that his detention is linked to statements he has made, including on social networks or in the media, condemning the prosecution of people active in the protection of fundamental rights, against the war or on other important societal issues. This also includes a public petition against the war in Ukraine which he signed in his capacity as a lawyer.
We call upon the Belarusian authorities to immediately and unconditionally restore the freedom of Alexander Danilevich since it is believed that his detention is solely based on his legitimate activities as a lawyer.
Click here to read the full letter.
