Human rights activists declare nine more people political prisoners

October 10, Pozirk. Belarusian human rights activists have declared nine more people political prisoners, bringing the total to 1,489, the Viasna Human Rights Center said.

The additions include Valeryj Ramanoŭski, a former head of the defense ministry’s air reconnaissance service who was tried behind closed doors and given a prison sentence on charges of high treason, and Alaksandar Sakałoŭski, a diplomat convicted of the same crime and sentenced to 10 years in a medium-security penal colony.

Kirył Hniaździłaŭ was accused of inciting hatred and disclosing personal data and sentenced to eight years in a penal colony, and Maksim Bielanovič is listed by law enforcers as extremist and terrorist.

Alaksandar Hałuza was convicted of disturbing public order and inciting hatred; Alaksandar Leanovič was sentenced to five years in a penal colony for inciting hatred; and Ihar Chrystaforaŭ was charged with insulting officials and the head of state.

The other additions are Alla Sokolenko, a Latvian national charged with espionage; and Anton Prudnikaŭ, sentenced to two and a half years in a penal colony for allegedly being violent towards police.

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

Along with Viasna, the declaration has been signed by Belarusian PEN, Lawtrend, the Barys Zvozskaŭ Human Rights House, Pravavaja Inicyjatyva, the Belarusian Association of Journalists and the Office for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.