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Vitaliy ShklyarovBelarusian and American political consultant, political strategist.
Date of Birth: 11.07.1976
Country:  Belarus |
Content:
- Vitaly Shkliarov: A Career in Political Consulting
- Education and Early Career
- Career in the United States
- Work in Russia and Georgia
- Arrest in Belarus
- Release and Return to the United States
- Current Residence
Vitaly Shkliarov: A Career in Political Consulting
Vitaly Shkliarov is a Belarusian-American political consultant and strategist who has worked on election campaigns around the world.
Education and Early Career
In 2002, Shkliarov graduated from the University of Vechta in Germany with a degree in social and political sciences. While in Germany, he began his career as a political consultant and worked on the campaign of Angela Merkel.
Career in the United States
In 2008, Shkliarov moved to the United States and volunteered for Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Despite his experience in Germany, he initially worked as a field organizer. He later became the field director for Tammy Baldwin's campaign in Wisconsin, where she became the first openly gay senator in the state. In 2012, Shkliarov also led the mobilization efforts for Obama's campaign in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which won two American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) awards.
Work in Russia and Georgia
In 2016, Shkliarov consulted for Dmitry Gudkov's campaign in Russia and later joined the "United Democrats" team, which supported over 1000 opposition candidates in Moscow's municipal elections. In 2017, he assisted in Ksenia Sobchak's presidential campaign, focusing on online outreach. In 2018, he worked for Grigory Vashadze's campaign in Georgia, where Vashadze advanced to the second round of the presidential election.
Arrest in Belarus
On July 29, 2020, Shkliarov was arrested in Belarus and accused of being a foreign agent involved in anti-government activities. He was detained and allegedly subjected to torture, prompting international condemnation.
Release and Return to the United States
On October 14, 2020, Shkliarov was released from detention and placed under house arrest. Five days later, he was freed and returned to the United States. The US State Department expressed its disapproval of the Belarusian government's actions.