Human rights activists say Belarus crackdown worsens

July 4, BPN. Belarusian human rights activists say the government’s repression of dissent has intensified, with more than 560 people detained on political grounds in June and nearly 1,500 political prisoners still in jail.

The Viasna Human Rights Center said in a report that the detainees faced prosecution for participating in protests, distributing forbidden content or disobeying police. It said judges handed down at least 184 arrests and 151 fines last month.

The report also pointed out cases of torture and ill-treatment of political prisoners, as well as continued persecution of journalists and media workers. It said 34 journalists and media workers were behind bars as of June 30, including photographer Pavieł Padabied who was sentenced to four years in prison.

Viasna said the authorities showed no respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms amid the ongoing crackdown on the opposition.