Allan Roio is an Estonian citizen. He was imprisoned in Belarus. He was released on Saturday. The USA helped him. Roio said that the prison conditions are very poor. No one should live like this in the 21st century.
In 2020, Roio founded the NGO Fund of Belarusian Friends. This NGO helps people who have fled the Belarusian regime. The NGO did not manage to start its work. A few months later, it was shut down.
Roio said he wanted to help large families. These families did not agree with the results of the Belarusian elections. Belarusian dictator Lukashenko punished them. They were left without work and food. Roio felt he had to help them. His wife is Belarusian. His children are also Belarusians.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Estonia worked for a year and a half to secure Roio's release. Tsahkna thanked the USA for its help. Tsahkna said that only 14 political prisoners were released. Thousands of people are still in prison. Conditions in Belarus are poor.
Roio also founded a fund in the United Kingdom. This fund started working faster. The English fund helped many people. Roio was already suspicious to the Belarusian authorities before his imprisonment. In 2021, the KGB summoned him for questioning. He was like a hostage.
Roio said he was treated very badly. He wants to speak to human rights organizations. He wants everyone to know about the prison conditions. He believes no one should be in such poor conditions. No one, whether a criminal or a political prisoner.