Rights groups designate 21 as political prisoners

May 17, BPN. Belarusian human rights groups have labeled 21 people as political prisoners.

They are: Aleh Zubovič, Aleh Zavadski, Alaksiej Mandzik, Andrej Cypak, Andrej Kraŭčuk, Viktar Jaromienka, Pavlo Kupriienko, Taras Mačynski, Alaksiej Tkačuk, Vadzim Šylko, Mikałaj Chacianovič, Alaksiej Barodka, Siarhiej Mardziłovič, Hleb Viatoškin, Dźmitryj Bohuša, Alaksiej Michajłaŭ, Dźmitryj Nieviarkievič, Eduard Piastrak, Dzianis Fiłončyk, Pavieł Čychinski and Piotr Jurkievič.

Their charges ranged from mishandling personal data and insulting state officials to inciting hatred and conspiring to seize power. Kupriienko, a Ukrainian national, was sentenced to prison for undercover activity.

Some of the prisoners acted in response to widespread human rights violations, curtailed freedom of expression, police brutality, and lack of trust in law enforcement, the groups said in a statement. Investigators and judges continue to use the incitement to hatred charge exclusively to defend state power, they added.

The statement was signed by the Viasna center, Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), Belarusian PEN, Barys Zvozskaŭ Human Rights House, Lawtrend and Pravavaja Inicyjatyva. They called for the immediate release of these and other political prisoners.

Human rights defenders have identified at least 1,501 such prisoners as of now.