{"id":203740,"date":"2026-09-15T13:06:55","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T10:06:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/203740\/"},"modified":"2026-09-15T13:06:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T10:06:57","slug":"rights-groups-name-11-new-political-prisoners-as-repression-continues-unabated-despite-washington-minsk-engagement","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/203740\/","title":{"rendered":"Rights groups name 11 new political prisoners as repression continues unabated despite Washington-Minsk engagement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n (Marco Chilese \/ unsplash.com)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

September 15, Pozirk.<\/em> <\/strong>Belarusian human rights defenders have declared 11 more individuals as political prisoners, taking their total to 912, says a joint statement by the rights groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rise in the number of prisoners indicates that repression in the country has not eased despite recent engagement between Minsk and Washington that has resulted in release of about 500 political prisoners so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

US Envoy John Coale is in Minsk to negotiate the release of a new group of 200 to 300 prisoners. However, after the release of every new group authorities continue politically motivated arrests and trials. It is unclear whether easing repression is on the agenda of Coale\u2019s meeting with Alaksandar \u0141uka\u0161enka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belarusian investigators and courts selectively and discriminatorily apply criminal charges of inciting hatred to protect government institutions, human rights defenders commented on additions to the list of prisoners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The additions include Eduard Kurland\u010dyk, Ihar Panko\u016d, Dzianis Adamin, Miras\u0142a\u016d Bandarenka, Siarhiej Zin\u010danka, Ja\u016dhien Rumma, Ivan Kaval\u010duk and Kanstancin Charytonienka, who was given five years in prison over donations in support of Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jahor Saci\u0161ura, Jaras\u0142a\u016d Ha\u0142o\u016d\u010danka and U\u0142adzimir Kapuza were convicted on several charges, including high treason \u201cwith gross violations of international standards and the right to a fair trial,\u201d the statement noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rights defenders reiterated their concern over authorities\u2019 use of high treason charges to suppress citizens\u2019 rights and freedoms. They said the vague wording of the relevant Criminal Code article could revive legal practices reminiscent of the darkest days of Stalin\u2019s dictatorship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viasna, Lawtrend, Pravavaja Inicyjatyva, Belarusian PEN, Belarusian Helsinki Committee, Barys Zvozska\u016d Human Rights House and the Belarusian Association of Journalists signed the declaration, demanding the immediate release of all political prisoners and the end of reprisals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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