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e-4308 (Foreign affairs)

E-petition
Initiated by Nadeea Rahim from Ottawa, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:
  • Following the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus, citizens mobilized to oppose the re-election of Aleksandr Lukashenko and his authoritarian regime, resulting in nationwide repression where over 7000 citizens were unlawfully detained;
  • Marfa Rabkova is a human rights activist that was among the 7000 citizens detained when advocating for a democratic Belarusian regime, and was sentenced to 15 years in a penal colony with a fine of 22,400 Belarusian rubles on 13 alleged charges against articles of the Republic of Belarus Criminal Code;
  • Marfa Rabkova has reportedly been denied access to legal counsel and medical attention; and
  • The Government of Canada identifies as a feminist government that prioritizes the protection of human rights and democracy in its foreign policy agenda.
We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:
1. Call on the Government of Belarus to release Marfa Rabkova from prison and fully pardon her of all charges; and
2. Upon her release, ensure that Marfa Rabkova has a place of asylum to complete her education and continue her work as a human rights activist.
Open for signature
March 2, 2023, at 10:39 a.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
May 31, 2023, at 10:39 a.m. (EDT)
Photo - Anita Vandenbeld
Ottawa West—Nepean
Liberal Caucus
Ontario