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Natallia Hersche, 51, of St. Gallen, was arrested at a women’s rally on September 19 in Minsk. On Monday afternoon, the Libereco organization announced the verdict against the woman, which had been “based on her panic and involuntary reaction to her arrest.” The Federal Department of Foreign Relations (FDFA) also confirmed the sentence a little later.
The FDFA will now, “together with Ms. Hersche’s attorney, evaluate the next steps,” he said in a message. Ms. Hersche will continue to be cared for in the context of consular protection.
“In view of the fact that Natallia Hersche, like more than 160 other political prisoners, was arbitrarily detained and brought to justice in Belarus, an equally arbitrary judicial sentence was feared,” the statement said.
Unsuccessful Swiss diplomatic efforts
In October, 16 federal MPs from the SP, Greens, CVP and EPP wrote an open letter to the Belarusian Minister of Justice, the Minister of the Interior and the Attorney General and demanded the release of the Swiss woman. Hersche is a political prisoner whose detention is arbitrary and politically motivated. The Swiss ambassador in Minsk, Claude Altermatt, had visited the woman in prison.
Ignazio Cassis under pressure
In November Libereco had submitted a petition with 9,500 signatures to the FDFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With this, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis was asked to directly seek the release of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. The demand was supported by two vigils in Bern.
“We now expect a vigorous reaction from Chancellor Cassis and Federal President Sommaruga to the Lukashenko regime,” Libereco wrote on Monday. On the same day, Cassis said in question time at the National Council that official Switzerland was in regular contact with the woman’s lawyer. The Swiss representation in Belarus defends the interests of women.
