{"id":87904,"date":"2024-05-29T21:44:22","date_gmt":"2024-05-29T18:44:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/87904\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T20:40:57","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T20:40:57","slug":"over-5000-convicted-in-politically-motivated-cases-since-2020-viasna","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/87904\/","title":{"rendered":"Over 5,000 convicted in politically motivated cases since 2020 \u2013 Viasna"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

May 29, Pozirk.<\/em><\/strong> At least 5,133 people have been convicted in politically motivated criminal cases in Belarus over the past four years, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The organization published the statistical report on political repression on its website today. The release was timed to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the arrest of former presidential hopeful Siarhiej Cichano\u016dski serving a lengthy prison term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of May 29, there were 1,410 political prisoners in Belarus, including 173 women, Viasna said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than 8,000 women have been subjected to political persecution since 2020 (1,154 have been convicted in criminal cases).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The human rights activists are aware of at least 254 particularly vulnerable political prisoners (16 with disabilities, 91 with serious health problems, 65 over 60 years old and 10 with mental disorders).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The oldest political prisoner is Natalla Taran, 74, who was sentenced to three years and eight months in a penal colony for critical comments. The youngest is Maryya Mysyuk, 16, the Ukrainian accused of organizing an anarchist cell under the guidance of a “liberation army.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At least 2,466 people were convicted of participating in post-election protests on rioting charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the human rights defenders, 90 were convicted in connection with donations to foundations and groups that help victims of reprisals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At least 51 were convicted of high treason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At least 1,012 political prisoners were released after serving their sentences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three years have passed since the death of political prisoner Vitold A\u0161urak at \u0160k\u0142o\u016d’s Penal Colony No. 17. Five other political prisoners have died in captivity: Mika\u0142aj Klimovi\u010d, Ale\u015b Pu\u0161kin, Vadzim Chra\u015bko, Ihar Lednik and Alaksandar Kulini\u010d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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