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Rights activists report fire in Babrujsk colony
May 26, Pozirk. A fire broke out in the Penal Colony No. 2 in Babrujsk, Mahiloŭ region, on May 23, the Mayday.Team human rights group said on Telegram.
The incident took place in “the building where the prison store (the so-called ‘atavarka’ for convicts) is located,” it said.
According to the group, the administration of the penal colony “wanted to hide it, but they had to call a fire brigade and the information spilled out.”
“Despite the heavy smoke, the fire turned out to be uncomplicated and was quickly extinguished, but the firemen forbade the use of the premises,” it said.
Prisoner labor has been used to carry out “endless repairs” in the Babrujsk colony over the past two years, Mayday.Team said. The administration plans to expand “the room for receiving parcels and holding short-term meetings,” it added.
According to the Viasna Human Rights Center, 89 political prisoners are serving their sentences in the Penal Colony No. 2. They include trade union leader Hienadź Fiadynič, journalist Pavieł Mažejka, and the son of former presidential hopeful Viktar Babaryka, Eduard Babaryka.
