Human rights defenders declare nine political prisoners

July 4, BPN. Belarusian human rights groups have declared nine people political prisoners, saying that authorities interpreted their right to freedom of expression as defamation and desecration of state symbols.

The Viasna Human Rights Center, Lawtrend and other organizations called on the authorities to release these and other opponents and to stop reprisals against Belarusians.

Viasna has identified 1,500 political prisoners, including the new additions.

The nine designations are:

• Vadzim Hovin
• Juryj Paŭlučyk
• Jaŭhien Kušnaraŭ
• Aleh Jahorankaŭ
• Pavieł Jančuk
• Alaksandr Chomčanka
• Kanstancin Stupnikaŭ
• Volha Macko
• Siarhiej Łufierenka