Woman prosecuted for social media like dies shortly after release

May 14, Pozirk. Tamara Karavaj, given two years in prison for liking a post critical of Alaksandar Łukašenka, died aged 45 of alleged heart failure shortly after her release from prison, Naša Niva reported, citing the woman’s acquaintance.
The date of her death is unknown.
In March 2023, Karavaj was given two years in prison for reacting to a post critical of Alaksandar Łukašenka on Odnoklassniki. The woman was released in August under a pardon program, shortly before the completion of her sentence.
A similar case was reported just two days ago: Hanna Kandracienka, released in July 2024 after serving a prison term in a politically-motivated case, died of cancer in early February.
At least seven people, whom Belarusian human rights groups considered political prisoners, died in Belarusian prisons between 2022 and 2024.
More than 8,200 people have been prosecuted on political grounds since 2020, with 6,940 convicted and at least 33 sent for compulsory treatment, the Viasna Human Rights Center said earlier this month.
This spring, rights groups identified at least 219 people convicted in politically-motivated cases as being in a high-risk group. About 80 of them suffer from serious illnesses, eight have disabilities, 10 have mental disorders and 32 are over 60 years old.

Reprisals: ex-political prisoner dies of cancer few months after release
- Politics, SecurityAeroflot cancels flight after cyberattackThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyLithuania flags Latvia as major smuggling route as Belarusian cigarette interceptions dipThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, Security
- Economy
- Politics, SecurityIndonesian defense minister in MinskThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsBelarusian opposition to mark 2020 protests with demonstration in PolandThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, Security, SocietyLithuania probes drone incursion from Belarus, NATO notifiedThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsBiełaruski Hajun arrests surpass 30, right activists estimateThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SocietyKGB brands Poland-based Belarusian academy as extremist groupThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, PoliticsŁukašenka asks Tiumen governor for help in assessing Belarus’ oil reservesThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- EconomyNuclear plant’s Unit 2 reconnected to grid after repairsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBelarus’ trade deficit narrows month on monthThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsReturn of US ambassador to Minsk not under discussion at this point, Belarusian diplomat saysThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SocietyGeorgia rejected 16 asylum requests from Belarusians in H1The material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, Security
- Politics, SecurityUkraine arrests suspected KGB spy in Volyn regionThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics
- Economy, PoliticsInternal troops cultivate Łukašenka’s homeland fieldsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, SocietyFire destroys 100 tons of hay in Miadzieł districtThe material is available only to POZIRK+