May 20, Pozirk. Naša Niva has reported, citing “reliable sources,” the death of Valancin Štermier in early 2025. The exact date or circumstances of his death are unknown.
It is also unclear whether Štermier died in the penal colony or was taken to hospital.
Štermier, 59, was arrested on June 9, 2023. Four months later, the Homiel Regional Court found him guilty of inciting hatred, forming an extremist group and insulting the head of state—charges routinely used by authorities to punish critics. The judge sentenced him to five years in prison.
He suffered a stroke while serving his sentence at Škłoŭ’s Penal Colony No. 17.
The news comes days after media reported the death of former political prisoner Tamara Karavaj of heart failure (the exact date unknown). Former political prisoner Hanna Kandracienka died of cancer upon her release, media reported on February 5.
A 22-year-old Russian national, Dmitriy Shletgauer, died in Mahiloŭ’s penal colony on October 11, 2024.
Besides Shletgauer, at least six people recognized by Belarusian human rights organizations as political prisoners died in detention in 2022–2024, including Vitold Ašurak and Mikałaj Klimovič.
