Outspoken critic Šarenda-Panasiuk held in stinky, stifling cell before trial

June 24, Pozirk. Jailed opposition activist Palina Šarenda-Panasiuk has spent at least 70 days in a punishment cell since the start of 2024, her exiled husband Andrej Šarenda said on Facebook.

Currently, she is held at the Homel pre-trial detention center pending her fourth criminal trial, he added.

“Unthinkable heat, moisture and the stinky latrine. This stench cannot be masked even with the foul odor of cheap cigarettes,” he said.

“It’s hard to breathe and sweat pours out in streams. Showers are allowed only once a fortnight. Spending summer in a pre-trial detention center cell is torture, especially for a woman.”

The last few months have been especially “tough” for Šarenda-Panasiuk, he noted.

On May 21, the day of her expected release, officials accused her of defying prison administration orders, the charge routinely used by authorities to keep opponents in prisons longer.

In June 2021, the activist was given two years in prison after the judge found her guilty of violence against a police officer and insulting officials.

She subsequently received two additional one-year sentences for allegedly disobeying the prison administration.

Human rights organizations consider Šarenda-Panasiuk a political prisoner.

Minsk ignored an appeal from the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women to take urgent measures to protect her.

Also read: Opposition activist Šarenda-Panasiuk faces new charge