Belarusian-American 501(c)(3) non-profit
Statement on Tragic Death of Political Prisoner Ales Pushkin
The Association of Belarusians in America (ABA) is deeply concerned about the death of Ales Pushkin, a political prisoner and renowned Belarusian artist. According to the Belarusian Human Rights Center “Viasna,” on early Tuesday, July 11, Ales Pushkin was urgently transferred from a prison facility to a hospital, where he soon died while in custody under unclear circumstances. In 2021, the Lukashenka regime sentenced Ales Pushkin to five years of imprisonment on fabricated charges.
Ales Pushkin, a talented artist, advocated for freedom, justice, and human rights in Belarus. His commitment to speaking truth to power through his art made him an inspiration to many. Ales's death in Belarusian prison custody is a crime and another tragic evidence of the ongoing repression artists, activists, and anyone suspected of disloyalty to the Lukashenka regime face in Belarus.
The Association of Belarusians in America condemns the ongoing pattern of political prisoners losing their lives while in custody in Belarusian prisons. Ales Pushkin's death, along with several others before him, underscores the systematic disregard for human rights and the lack of accountability within the Belarusian prison system. The responsibility for these deaths lies with the Lukashenko regime.
We call on the international community, governments, and human rights organizations to demand that the Belarusian authorities conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances leading to Ales's urgent transfer to a hospital and subsequent passing.
We also urge the international community to demand the unconditional release and freedom of all political prisoners and to hold the Lukashenka regime accountable for human rights abuses and crimes against humanity.
In memory of Ales Pushkin and all those who have lost their lives under the oppressive regime, ABA reaffirms its commitment to standing up against tyranny, defending human rights, and supporting the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people. Together, we will continue to advocate for justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ales Pushkin's family, friends, and the Belarusian artistic community during this challenging time.
Ales Pushkin's commitment to freedom, creative vision, and courage has become a legacy that will endure and inspire future generations.
About Us
The nationwide organization ABA unites Belarusians across the United States.
ABA has developed a network of Belarusian American organizations in fourteen states and 25 cities, and several Belarusian-American nonprofits.
Our main goal is to unite Belarusian American people and organizations to mutually work on educating about Belarus's history, culture, and political situation in the country, preserving and developing the Belarusian language and culture, and supporting Belarusians in building a strong civil society.
Our Team
Our History
Our History
The Association of Belarusians in America (ABA) team is comprised of activists that represent Belarusian communities in 25 cities across 14 states.
We are Belarusian-Americans of different ages, occupations, and education living in different states yet connected through our Belarusian heritage and strive to help our home country.
Our History
Our History
Our History
We started as individual Facebook groups across the United States. In 2021 we founded our nonprofit organization that became a national umbrella uniting Americans of Belarusian descent.
Our Mission
Our History
Our Mission
The Association of Belarusians in America (ABA) has two agendas:
To support and facilitate democratic change in Belarus,
To unite the Belarusian-American Community and to preserve Belarusian cultural and historical heritage in the USA.
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