Rights groups add 10 to list of political prisoners

September 14, BPN. Human rights organizations have recognized 10 more people as political prisoners.

Kaciaryna Jeŭdakimava, Uładzisłaŭ Malcaŭ, Darja Karol, Raman Bahryj, Ina Panova, Juryj Karatkievič, Aleh Kiryčenka, Arciom Kryłoŭ and Palina Pałavinka were jailed or placed under house arrest for organization of/active participation in group actions grossly disturbing public order. Pałavinka was also charged with discrediting the Republic of Belarus.

Dźmitryj Taratynaŭ was sent to an open-type correctional facility to serve his “restricted freedom” sentence over public order offences.

The statement declaring them political prisoners contains a demand to the authorities that all those having this status be released and that the crackdown be stopped. It was signed by the Viasna Human Rights Center, Belarusian PEN, Belarusian Helsinki Committee, Pravavaja Inicyjatyva, Belarusian Association of Journalists and Barys Zvozskaŭ Human Rights House.

A total of 1,337 political prisoners have been registered in Belarus. The number stands at a record high, but the real figure must be even higher because, according to activists, some political detainees cannot contact them, or do not want to for fear of repercussions.