March 4, Pozirk. Since the fall of 2020, 4,690 people have been convicted on politically-motivated criminal charges in Belarus, says a recent report by the Viasna Human Rights Center.
In late February, rights groups considered 1,410 people political prisoners with the number falling to 1,405 on March 4, 170 of them women.
At least 1,560 have been released after serving their sentences, have been given noncustodial punishment, have had their penalty changed or have been included in the amnesty program, according to the report.
The number of former and current political prisoners is “steadily growing,” with the total number approaching 3,000, with more than 530 women, Viasna noted.
On February 20, Ihar Lednik imprisoned for allegedly slandering Alaksandar Łukašenka, died behind bars, taking the number of political prisoners’ deaths in prisons to at least five, the report said, calling for an investigation into his death.
Authorities continue arbitrary reprisals against Belarusians who want to exercise their civil rights, with at least 625 instances of persecution and 548 trials under the Administrative Offenses Code recorded in February.
Last month, Belarusian judges imposed at least 95 jail terms and 84 fines, sentencing three people to community service. More than 100 people, political prisoners and their family members were convicted of minor offenses for receiving aid to buy groceries.
Viasna said it keeps identifying and documenting facts of torture and ill-treatment during the investigation of politically-motivated criminal cases and in administrative proceedings.
Several jailed prominent opposition activists have been held incommunicado for about one year, including former presidential hopeful Viktar Bababryka, his campaign manager Maryja Kaleśnikava, politician Mikałaj Statkievič as well as journalist Ihar Łosik and politician Siarhiej Cichanoŭski.
Jailed Belarusian Nobel Peace Prize winner and Viasna’s head Aleś Bialiacki may also face the same ordeal. He is not allowed to see his lawyer, talk to his family on the phone and receive parcels and medicines.
The recent parliamentary and local elections did not meet international standards for democratic and free elections and were marred by numerous violations of electoral legislation, the report stressed.
The human rights situation in Belarus remains critical, with unabated reprisals against opposition and dissidents, yet authorities “demonstrate the illusion of civil consent” and “nationwide support,” Viasna said.
