Exact number of Belarusian political prisoners unknown – opposition politician

May 21, BPN. Human rights groups may not know the names of all Belarusians imprisoned on politically-motivated charges, Volha Harbunova of the opposition transition cabinet has told participants of a rally in central Vilnius.

Family members of jailed activists fear publicity because authorities often disguise politically-motivated persecution as criminal cases, she noted.

Several hundred people have attended the event dedicated to Belarusian political prisoners. They placed 130 bags with the names of political prisoners on Vilnius’ Cathedral Square symbolizing jailed seniors, minors, people with disabilities and serious illnesses.

“We don’t know how many of those thousands of people who are now in captivity may not survive,” Harbunova said noting the recent death of jailed blogger Mikałaj Klimovič, who was sent to prison despite a heart condition that required constant medical care.

Human rights situation in Belarus is deteriorating yet countries like Sweden or Switzerland consider it stable and advise Belarusians to return home which is unacceptable, she said. 

“The situation is catastrophic, it’s a humanitarian disaster,” Harbunova said. Those who are released after serving prison terms speak of torture and violence in prisons while authorities are now keeping jailed activists incommunicado, she added.

“It is only up to us what will happen next,” the politician said noting that possible lifting of sanctions on the transit of potash fertilizers will be discussed on May 23 in Brussels. “Only we can show that nothing has changed, that the page has not been turned and that there is no stability and security in the country,” she stressed.

Harbunova also urged all Belarusians currently living abroad to actively support solidarity events, communicate with media outlets and donate to Belarusian initiatives and human rights organizations.