Five added to political prisoners list

September 5, BPN. The Belarusian human rights community has declared five more people political prisoners, says a joint statement by the Viasna Human Rights Centre, Belarusian PEN, Belarusian Association of Journalists, Pravavaja Inicyjatyva, and Lawtrend, published on Viasna’s website.

The list now includes Illa Holcaŭ and Alaksiej Reznikaŭ recently sentenced for social media posts. Holcaŭ was given two years in prison on charges of inciting hatred; Reznikaŭ, four years for inciting hatred, rehabilitating Nazism, abusing the state symbols, insulting Alaksandr Łukašenka and public officials.

Anastasija Lazarenka and Natalla Łašč are in custody for passing data on security forces officials to the Telegram channels deemed extremist. Dźmitryj Ivančanka was arrested for inciting hatred, insulting Łukašenka and calling for sanctions.

Human rights defenders demand that the authorities review their decisions, release all political prisoners and stop political persecution of Belarusians.

A total of 1,327 political prisoners have been registered in Belarus, but the real figure must be higher because, according to human rights defenders, some political detainees cannot contact them, or do not want to for fear of repercussions.