Cichanoŭskaja congratulates ex-rival Babaryka on his 60th birthday

November 9, Pozirk. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja has congratulated jailed former presidential hopeful Viktar Babaryka on his 60th birthday, wishing him health and resilience.

Belarusian authorities have kept information about Babaryka’s condition secret for more than seven months after he was reportedly beaten in custody, she said in a video address on her Telegram channel.

The jailed politician cannot receive parcels and medicines and remains incommunicado while his family members and lawyer are now allowed to visit him, she noted.

Babaryka was arrested days before the August 2020 presidential election, in which he intended to run as candidate. He was seen as Alaksandar Łukašenka’s chief rival in the race.

The Supreme Court sentenced him to 14 years in prison on corruption charges, which he denied. He is held at Penal Colony No 1 in Navapołack, Viciebsk region, and is reportedly isolated from other prisoners. The colony administration said his health was “not in danger.”

The central election commission said that Łukašenka won the election with more than 80 percent of the vote, while Cichanoŭskaja came second with 10 percent. The opposition candidate accused election authorities of doctoring figures, claiming that she had defeated the incumbent.