EU concerned about Babaryka’s safety, urges Belarus to release political prisoners

April 28, BPN. The European Union is “concerned by the health situation” of jailed former presidential hopeful Viktar Babaryka, who was reportedly hospitalized with signs of beatings, the European External Action Service’s (EEAS) press office has said.

“We urge the authorities to ensure his safety and provide him with immediate and proper medical evaluation and assistance, and to allow him access to his lawyers and family,” the statement reads.

The number of political prisoners in Belarus is close to 1,500 people and keeps growing after almost three years since the disputed 2020 presidential election, the EEAS noted.

“This appalling milestone reflects the deterioration of the human rights situation in the country,” the statement said. “The [Alaksandr] Łukašenka regime continues detaining and imprisoning people in atrocious conditions, exposing them to ill-treatment and torture, including to force them to repent publicly.”

Several Belarusian political prisoners have been hospitalized recently after being subjected to violence in prison, while the circumstances and cause of Vitold Ašurak’s death in prison in 2021 still need to be investigated, it noted.

The EU demanded an immediate and unconditional release of Babaryka and all other political prisoners. It also pledged to continue its efforts to help the victims and ensure accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuse in Belarus.

Earlier, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, the US Embassy in Minsk, MEPs, and exiled Belarusian opposition groups issued statements expressing concerns over Babaryka’s condition.

The imprisoned banker-turned-politician reportedly remains at the Navapołack City Hospital. Doctors continue treatment, describing his condition as serious but stable. Officials have not commented on the reasons for his hospitalization. Rabočy Ruch, a worker rights group, said he was taken to hospital early on April 25 with signs of beating.