The European Film Academy has voiced again its support for Belarusian Independent Film Academy demands to release filmmaker/activist Andrei Gnyot.
In June 2024, a court in Serbia ruled that the Belarusian activist, who was instrumental in organising an alliance of athletes in opposition to the country’s dictator, Alexander Lukashenko, can be extradited to Belarus where he faces “imprisonment, torture and even the possibility of a death penalty,” the Academy wrote July 12.
European Film Academy Chair and producer Mike Downey further commented July 16: “The European Film Academy protests vigorously the proposed extradition of Belarusian filmmaker Andrey Gnyot, from Serbia to Belarus. If extradited, he faces serious risks of torture and other forms of ill-treatment. It is our firm belief that the charges against him are fabricated and politically motivated, and were introduced by the Belarusian authorities in retaliation for his activist activities. This proposed extradition to Belarus poses significant threats to Andrey Gnyot’s life and health. We appeal to the Serbian authorities as a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) to adhere to principles prohibiting the extradition of individuals to countries where they face the torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
The July 11 statement from the Belarusian Independent Film Academy reads:
“The Belarusian Independent Film Academy demands that filmmaker and activist Andrei Gnyot be released from Serbian prison and not be extradited back to Belarus. In Belarus he faces imprisonment, torture and even the death penalty.
“Andrei Gnyot is known for making documentary footage during the Belarus 2020 protests and recording athletes’ appeals for free and fair elections. He is being prosecuted by the Belarusian regime for these activities. Andrei was arrested in Serbia because Interpol has accepted the request of the Belarusian regime to search for him. Later Interpol cancelled the search request; however, Serbia did not release Andrei, and the danger is that he could be extradited any moment.
“Andrei Gnyot is recognised by international human rights organisations as a political prisoner.
“The Belarusian regime continues to persecute active citizens years after the rigged presidential elections in 2020 to destroy any manifestation of dissent. Searches, arrests, and torture continue unabatedly in Belarus.
“No civilized country or international organization co-operates with Belarus in the search for and extradition of fugitive politically active Belarusians.
“We urge international organizations, and human rights groups to appeal to the Serbian authorities to prevent the extradition of Andrei Gnyot to Belarus and to secure his immediate release. Time is of the essence; act now to save Andrei Gnyot.”
The European Film Academy adds: “Deeply worried about his well-being, the European Film Academy supports this statement and calls on the Serbian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Andrei Gnyot. We encourage all film and culture institutions around the world to do the same.”
