Human rights defenders recognize seven more people as political prisoners, their total number reaching 1,066

February 22, BPN. Human rights defenders recognized seven more people as political prisoners and their total number reached 1,066, Viasna Human Rights Center reported.

Following persons accused, detained and convicted under Article 342, part 1 of the Criminal Code (organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order, or active participation in them) were recognized as political prisoners: Anastasija Toŭpik, Kanstancin Jaršoŭ, Vadzim Usoskaŭ, Iryna Koval’, Kryscina Vasil’kova, Michail Vasil’koŭ, and Dzianis Haponenka.

The human rights community noted in its statement that freedom of peaceful assembly is guaranteed by Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This freedom is not subject to any restrictions other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in democratic countries in the interests of national security, public safety, public order, public health or morals, or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

Human rights defenders demand the release of all political prisoners and citizens detained in connection with the exercise of freedom of peaceful assembly in the post-election period, as well as an end to political repression.

The statement was signed by the Barys Zvozskaŭ Human Rights House (Lithuania), as well as by the unregistered but still operating Belarusian NGOs: Viasna Human Rights Center, Legal Initiative, Lawtrend, Belarusian PEN Center, and Belarusian Helsinki Committee.