Human rights activists brand 18 political prisoners

December 27, BPN. Belarusian human rights activists have declared 18 people political prisoners, the Viasna Human Rights Center reports.

The list includes those placed in custody and convicted for group actions grossly disturbing public order: Aleh Švajko, Mikałaj Arciuchoŭ, Dźmitryj Bujvidovič, Fiodar Parecki, Aleh Davydzienka, Natalla Akciabrskaja, Anastasija Čumak, Dźmitryj Bieraśnieŭ, Siarhiej Čareška, Maksim Pučynski, Alaksandr Cyhankoŭ, Andrej Žuk, Maryja Žuk, Vasil Chamutoŭski, Ryhor Vasilkoŭ, Dźmitryj Laŭčuk, Illa Dubień and Andrej Biaśko.

The declaration was signed by Viasna, Barys Zvozskaŭ Human Rights House, Pravavaja Inicyjatyva, Belarusian Helsinki Committee, Lawtrend and Belarusian PEN. The activists demand that all political prisoners be immediately released and reprisals be stopped.

A total of 1,456 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.