Belarus holds at least 164 female political prisoners

March 8, Pozirk. Belarus holds at least 164 female political prisoners, the Viasna Human Rights Center said on March 8, International Women’s Day.

The government has convicted at least 1,917 women in politically motivated criminal cases since the fraudulent presidential election of 2020, it added.

At least 15 female political prisoners have serious health issues.

Opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja pointed to other forms of injustice in her address.

“Belarusian women are sacked for their views, [social media] likes and their courage to stand up against war. Belarusian women are not yet protected by proper laws against domestic violence and are often left one-on-one with misfortune. And yet women are still greeted [on Women’s Day] with the words ‘you are our decoration.’”

Marta Kos, the European commissioner for enlargement, named Cichanoŭskaja among the women who inspire her in a Facebook post.

Belarus’ authoritarian ruler Alaksandar Łukašenka, in his message, thanked women for “creating harmony and coziness, giving [men] warmth and comfort and inspiring us men to create.”

He described women “tender and strong, considerate and careful, charming and wise,” adding that they are “the most treasured in our life.”