U.S. Embassy voices concern over Babaryka’s reported hospitalization

April 27, BPN. The U.S. Embassy in Belarus expressed concern regarding reports that jailed opposition politician Viktar Babaryka was admitted to hospital.

“Closely following and concerned by reports that Viktar Babaryka was transferred to a Navapołack hospital with possible injuries sustained in detention,” it tweeted on April 27.

“Relatives and lawyers are en route to see Viktar. We urge authorities to grant access in keeping w int’l obligations,” it added.

“A patient with the last name Babaryka born in 1963” was admitted to the Navapołack City Hospital in the Viciebsk region, a local source told BPN.

Doctors reportedly took samples for tests.

Babaryka might have too much fluid in his lungs, another source said.

In the evening of April 26, Rabočy Ruch, a worker rights group, reported the former presidential hopeful’s hospitalization with signs of beating and a collapsed lung. His condition was reportedly serious but stable.

Babaryka is currently serving a 14-year prison term on charges widely seen as politically motivated. The prison administration reportedly has put him under intensive pressure recently. In March, it reprimanded him and applied “unjustified disciplinary action,” his team said.