June 11 is the International Day of Solidarity with Long-Term Anarchist Prisoners. This year’s theme is “The Landscape Transforms.”
This day is traditionally observed to draw attention to American anarchist Marius Mason and other imprisoned anarchists who may be forgotten due to their long sentences. It also emphasizes the importance of fighting against prisons as a whole on the path toward freedom.
Despite ongoing pressure from prison authorities, harsh conditions, and worsening treatment, imprisoned anarchists continue to find new ways to adapt to changing circumstances. And those of us on the outside must also continue to adapt, experiment, and invent new ways to show solidarity and move toward a world without prisons.
Letters and postcards are a reminder to prisoners that they are not forgotten. Material support, including help for their families, is also crucial. Finding new forms of solidarity is an essential part of growing the movement. All the barriers now placed between us and those behind bars only show how much the authorities fear our connections and support.
Our steps toward a life of full freedom are undoubtedly shaped and strengthened by our struggle alongside those captured and locked away by the state. The creativity and courage it takes to survive and hold on to anarchist beliefs in captivity have much to teach us about how to keep moving forward.
Let June 11 be a day to reflect on those we love, those we grow and fight with, and what steps we must take next in the struggle against prisons and the state.
Long-Term Anarchist Prisoners in Belarus
Sergey Romanov — 24 years ans 5 months in prison
Igor Olinevich — 20 years in prison
Dmitry Dubovsky — 20 years in prison
Dmitry Rezanovich — 19 years and 9 months in prison
Aleksandr Frantskevich* — 18 years and 9 months in prison
Akihiro Gaevsky-Khanada — 15 years and 9 months in prison
Aleksey Golovko* — 12 years in prison
