Nearly 4,000 political prisoners since 2020 – Viasna
May 21, Pozirk. Human rights groups have documented 3,940 political prisoners since 2020, Viasna said on International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus.
Of them, 1,189 people are still serving their sentences, including eight being held incommunicado. Over 200 are in a risk group for health reasons, Viasna said.
In all, more than 7,000 people faced criminal charges for political reasons.
At least eight political prisoners died in custody.
Pardons were granted to 300.
Over 30 people were sentenced for solidarity with political prisoners, 110 for donations and 218 for supporting Ukraine.
Authorities have transferred 166 political prisoners from penal colonies to prisons for “malicious disobedience.”
International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus is observed on May 21. On this day in 2021, opposition activist Vitold Ašurak died in Škłoŭ’s Penal Colony No. 17 under mysterious circumstances.
On Solidarity Day, Article 19 demands release of Belarusian political prisoners
May 21, Pozirk. Article 19, a rights group based in the United Kingdom, has urged the international community to demand the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus and increase pressure on Alaksandar Łukašenka and his officials "Despite ongoing …