Human rights activists label six people as political prisoners

October 5, Pozirk. Belarusian human rights groups have declared six people political prisoners, bringing the total to 1,483, the Viasna center reported.

They granted the status of political prisoner to Uładzimir Maškoŭski, who was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for allegedly libeling and insulting the head of state, insulting a state official and disturbing public order.

Other additions are Alaksandar Jakimovič and Kirył Hrachoŭski, sentenced to 18 and seven months, respectively, on public disorder charges.

The same charge was brought against Andrej Marcinovič, Alena Dźmitryjeva and Alaksandar Lickievič, who are also on the list.

Human rights activists reiterated their demand that all political prisoners be freed, politically motivated sentences be reviewed and reprisals be stopped.

Besides Viasna, the declaration was signed by Belarusian PEN, the Barys Zvozskaŭ Human Rights House, Pravavaja Inicyjatyva and the Belarusian Association of Journalists.