Over 1,600 arrested for speaking out against war – rights group

October 18, Pozirk. Authorities in Belarus have arrested at least 1,630 people and sentenced 79 to prison for opposing the war in Ukraine, the Viasna Human Rights Center said.

As of today, 13 people were serving a total of 199.5 years in prison for sabotaging the railroad, an important component of Russian military logistics.

At least 35 people were convicted of sharing photos and videos of Russian military vehicles with the media. At least 13 citizens were punished for publicly condemning Russian aggression, and at least 26 for donating money to Belarusian volunteer fighters in Ukraine and supporting Kyiv.

Belarusians held their largest anti-war rallies on February 27-28, 2022. Law enforcers arrested over 1,100 people at the time.

They prosecuted protesters for Ukrainian flag themed clothes and “Stop War” slogans, and for laying flowers at the Ukrainian embassy in Minsk.

Law enforcers tortured and beat detainees, Viasna said, noting that some were taken directly from police stations to hospitals.