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Rights groups name 11 new political prisoners as repression continues unabated despite Washington-Minsk engagement
September 15, Pozirk. Belarusian human rights defenders have declared 11 more individuals as political prisoners, taking their total to 912, says a joint statement by the rights groups.
The rise in the number of prisoners indicates that repression in the country has not eased despite recent engagement between Minsk and Washington that has resulted in release of about 500 political prisoners so far.
US Envoy John Coale is in Minsk to negotiate the release of a new group of 200 to 300 prisoners. However, after the release of every new group authorities continue politically motivated arrests and trials. It is unclear whether easing repression is on the agenda of Coale’s meeting with Alaksandar Łukašenka.
Belarusian investigators and courts selectively and discriminatorily apply criminal charges of inciting hatred to protect government institutions, human rights defenders commented on additions to the list of prisoners.
The additions include Eduard Kurlandčyk, Ihar Pankoŭ, Dzianis Adamin, Mirasłaŭ Bandarenka, Siarhiej Zinčanka, Jaŭhien Rumma, Ivan Kavalčuk and Kanstancin Charytonienka, who was given five years in prison over donations in support of Ukraine.
Jahor Sacišura, Jarasłaŭ Hałoŭčanka and Uładzimir Kapuza were convicted on several charges, including high treason “with gross violations of international standards and the right to a fair trial,” the statement noted.
Rights defenders reiterated their concern over authorities’ use of high treason charges to suppress citizens’ rights and freedoms. They said the vague wording of the relevant Criminal Code article could revive legal practices reminiscent of the darkest days of Stalin’s dictatorship.
Viasna, Lawtrend, Pravavaja Inicyjatyva, Belarusian PEN, Belarusian Helsinki Committee, Barys Zvozskaŭ Human Rights House and the Belarusian Association of Journalists signed the declaration, demanding the immediate release of all political prisoners and the end of reprisals.
US envoy arrives in Minsk for talks with Łukašenka
September 15, Pozirk. A US delegation led by John Coale, special envoy for Belarus, has arrived in Minsk for talks with Alaksandar Łukašenka, Pul Pervogo, the Belarusian ruler’s unofficial Telegram channel reports. Belarusian Prime Minister Alaksandar Turčyn is also expected …
