Human rights groups label 11 as political prisoners

November 17, BPN. Belarusian human rights groups have declared 11 people political prisoners, the Viasna Human Rights Center reports.

They are: Alaksiej Kuźmin; Alaksiej Dajneka; Uładzisłaŭ Kupryjanaŭ; Andrej Ražkoŭ; Siarhiej Savič; Alaksandr Pietuškoŭ; Siarhiej Zacharanka; Siarhiej Maciuchievič; Arciom Voŭna; Vadzim Vasileŭ; Stanisłaŭ Kuźmicki.

They were harassed for making critical comments online, insulting officials and passing their personal data to dissident Telegram channels, administering undesirable channels, and other protest activities.

The human rights groups said they were prosecuted for political reasons, in violation of the fundamental principles of fair justice.

They demanded that the authorities should immediately free all political prisoners, reconsider the sentences and stop the crackdown.

The declaration was signed by Viasna, Pravavaja Inicyjatyva, Belarusian PEN, Belarusian Association of Journalists and Barys Zvozskaŭ Human Rights House.

A total of 1,428 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.