Rights groups add 11 to political prisoners list

September 20, BPN. Human rights organizations have recognized 11 more people as political prisoners.

They are: Alaksandr Hryhareŭski, Hanna Volskaja, Alaksandr Adziarycha, Michaił Kasiakoŭ, Juryj Čubanaŭ, Jaŭhien Bužynski, Jaŭhien Hukaŭ, Illa Davydzienka, Pavieł Łaryn, Pavieł Mažejka and Volha Mankievič.

Their charges ranged from disturbing public order to desecrating state symbols and insulting Alaksandr Łukašenka.

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 1,344 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.