EU calls on Minsk to investigate death of jailed artist

July 13, BPN. The European Union (EU) has called on the Belarusian government to investigate the death of artist Aleś Puškin, saying that he died under “dubious circumstances” while serving a five-year prison sentence.

Spokeswoman Nabila Massrali said on Twitter: “The EU urges the Belarusian authorities to launch an enquiry into the circumstances and cause of his death and expresses its deep condolences to the family. All political prisoners should be immediately released.”

Authorities failed to provide timely medical care to the prominent dissident who suffered from a perforated ulcer, the MOST news website reported citing an unnamed source. He died in the early hours of July 11.

Puškin was sentenced to prison for insulting state symbols and inciting hatred after investigators seized his painting of Jaŭhien Žychar, a commander of an anti-Soviet resistance group in the 1940-50s, and nationally-styled items.