Political prisoner list updated with 12 new names

Statement by the human rights community of Belarus

August 16, 2023

We, the representatives of the Belarusian human rights community, once again emphasize that deprivation of liberty and criminal responsibility for various protest activities are used by authorities to suppress social and political activity, dissent, and anti-war demonstrations. 

In 2021, criminal legislation was significantly tightened and supplemented with new types of crimes used by authorities exclusively for political repression. 

Out-of-court, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Committee (KGB) arbitrarily recognize groups of citizens united by social or political interests as extremist. These groups criticize the authorities’ actions and demand changes in the state and its policies. Some media organizations have also been recognized as extremist formations. This, in turn, paves the way for the arbitrary criminal prosecution and deprivation of liberty for their participants and respondents as disproportionate measures to restrict the right to association and freedom of expression. For instance: 

1. Mr. Dzmitryi Prazetski was convicted under Article 361-2 of the Criminal Code of “financing extremist activities” and sentenced to imprisonment in a penal colony.
2. Ms. Tatsiana Biziuk was convicted under parts 1 and 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code of “promoting extremist activities” and sentenced to imprisonment in a penal colony.
3. Mr. Vadzim Khrasko was convicted under Article 361-2 of the Criminal Code for donations to initiatives recognized as extremist and sentenced to imprisonment in a penal colony.
4. Ms. Anastasiya Pakatashkina has been detained under Article 290-1 of the Criminal Code (“financing of terrorist activities”).
5. Ms. Natallia Zhloba has been taken into custody on charges under Article 361-2 of the Criminal Code for donations to initiatives recognized as extremist.
6. Ms. Iryna Skrob was convicted under Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code of “participation in extremist activities” and sentenced to two and a half years of imprisonment.
7. Mr. Uladzimir Yakimets was convicted under Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code of “promoting extremist activities” and sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment in a penal colony.
8. Mr. Aliaksandr Ihnatsiuk has been taken into custody under Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code (“promoting extremist activities”).
9. Mr. Aleh Dabrydneu was convicted under Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code of “creating an extremist formation or participating in it” and under parts 1 and 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code of “promoting extremist activities”. He was sentenced to three and a half years of imprisonment.
10. Mr. Kiryl Balakhonau was convicted under Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code of “creating an extremist formation or participating in it” and under parts 1 and 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code of “promoting extremist activities”. He was sentenced to three and a half years of imprisonment.
11. Mr. Aliaksandr Rukoits was convicted under Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code of creating an extremist formation or participating in it and under part 1 of Article 130 of the Criminal Code of “inciting hatred”. He was sentenced to three years.
12. Mr. Uladzislau Yefimovich was convicted under Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code of “creating an extremist formation or participating in it” and under parts 1 and 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code of “promoting extremist activities”. He was sentenced to three and a half years of imprisonment.

We recognize the individuals mentioned above as political prisoners in accordance with Section 3.1(a) of the Guidelines on the Definition of “Political Prisoner”. We demand that the Belarusian authorities:

• Immediately release the political prisoners Mr. Dzmitryi Prazetski, Ms. Tatsiana Biziuk, Mr. Vadzim Khrasko, Ms. Anastasiya Pakatashkina, Ms. Natallia Zhloba, Ms. Iryna Skrob, Mr. Uladzimir Yakimets, Mr. Aliaksandr Ihnatsiuk, Mr. Kiryl Balakhonau, Mr. Aliaksandr Rukoits, and Mr. Uladzislau Yefimovich.
• Immediately release all political prisoners and cease political repression in the country.

Human Rights Center Viasna

PEN Belarus

Legal Initiative

Lawtrend

Office for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities