Human rights defenders list 20 as political prisoners

November 3, BPN. Belarusian human rights defenders have declared 20 people political prisoners.

The Viasna Human Rights Center names them as Dzianis Varozaŭ, Viačasłaŭ Panciušenka, Volha Cierach, Uładzimir Łavor, Kaciaryna Zareckaja, Anton Jakavuk, Volha Šeŭčyk, Pavieł Kłapatok, Alaksandr Vaŭčok, Valancin Šumik, Maksim Kuroŭski, Alaksandr Smołka, Pavieł Cielešaŭ, Alaksandr Žalazoŭski, Kaciaryna Batura, Eduard Isajeŭ, Alaksandr Bakunovič, Alaksandr Hładkich, Viera Musijenka, and Alaksandr Antaškievič.

Their charges ranged from protesting and displaying Belarusian and Ukrainian national flags to desecrating state symbols and insulting and libeling Alaksandr Łukašenka. In a joint statement, Viasna, Pravavaja Inicyjatyva, the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, Belarusian PEN and Barys Zvozskaŭ Human Rights House demanded that these and other regime critics should be immediately freed.

A total of 1,375 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.