Kabanaŭ: I don’t want to stay in a country where I was locked up for nothing

February 1, BPN. Alaksandr Kabanaŭ, a prominent Belarusian politician who had served a three-year prison sentence on charges widely seen as politically-motivated, left Belarus over personal safety concerns, he told BPN. He also cited the lack of professional opportunities.

Speaking of his time in prison, Kabanaŭ, a member of the United Civic Party, said that Navapołack Penal Colony No 1 was notable for its harsh conditions and beatings.

“There was such lawlessness there, I just didn’t expect it, although I was warned that it was a fascist, sadistic concentration camp,” he said. “I didn’t think I would have to go through all of this. The attitude of the [prison] authorities is terrible. Everyone who wears an orange tag [orange/yellow tags are used to mark political prisoners] is practically a ‘malicious’ [violator].”

“Inmates feel a constant danger at every step, on every corner,” he said. “You don’t know what’s going to happen to you in the next second.” Kabanaŭ also noted that he had lost 24 kg during his first month in the punishment cell.

Authorities released Kabanaŭ and another vlogger Siarhiej Piatruchin in December 2022 after they had served their three-year prison terms in full. They were accused of participating in protests and insulting public officials.

Piatruchin said he would stay in Belarus after his release from prison. “This is his decision, I do not know the reasons and we did not talk about it,” Kabanaŭ said.