The Baltic Writers’ Council (BWC) is a non-profit, non-governmental coalition of writers’ and translators’ organizations arpound the Baltic region. Freedom of speech and the free flow of ideas are among the Council’s most important aims. In 2010 the Union of the Belarusian Writers (UBW) was accepted as a full member. Thereby the council today represents 20 literary organizations, 11 countries and approximately 16.000 members around the Baltic region and beyond.

During the past years, the council has been following the development in Belarus with the greatest concern. The present situation calls for international attention and immediate measures. Today, we know that several Belarusian writers – among them, poet and former chairperson of the Belarusian PEN organization, and the Union of Belarusian Writers, Vladimir Neklyajev – journalists and democratic activists are still held in custody;some of them are in desperate need of immediate medical care. Human rights are constantly violated, not to mention the freedom of speech. This intimidation takes place in the heart of Europe, which is totally unacceptable.

The membership of the BWC unanimoulsy asks the EU parliament to act swiftly in favour of the imprisoned, and in support of the democratic process in Belarus.