The statement on the recognition of eight people as political prisoners

Statement by the human rights community of Belarus

October 21, 2024

We, the representatives of the Belarusian human rights community, once again emphasize that criminal responsibility and deprivation of liberty 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 Interior Ministry and the KGB arbitrarily recognize as extremist citizens' groups brought together by public or political interests that criticize the actions of the authorities and demand reforms in the state and its policies. Several media resources were recognized as extremist formations as well. This in turn paves the way for the arbitrary prosecution and imprisonment of their members and respondents as a disproportionate measure restricting the right to association and freedom of expression. Thus, the following have been placed in custody:

1. Aliaksandr Yakushkou on charges of participating in an extremist formation under Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code;

2. Artsiom Ziankou on charges of financing extremist activities for donations to initiatives recognized as an extremist formation, under Article 361-2 of the Criminal Code;

3. Valery Mefadziyenka on charges of financing extremist and terrorist activities for donations to initiatives recognized as an extremist formation, under Articles 361-2, 290-1 of the Criminal Code;

4. Andrei Labada on charges of insulting a representative of the authorities and financing extremist activities for making statements on the Internet and for donations to initiatives recognized as an extremist formation under Articles 369 and 361-2 of the Criminal Code;

5. Maryna Leanovich on charges of financing extremist activities and participation of citizens in military conflicts for donations to protest initiatives and Belarusian volunteers in the Armed Forces of Ukraine under Articles 361-2 and 361-3 of the Criminal Code;

6. Yauhen Zaitsau on charges of facilitating extremist activities and participating in group actions grossly violating public order under Articles 361-4 and 342 of the Criminal Code; he was sentenced to imprisonment in a penal colony;

7. Yauhen Stsiapanau on charges of participating in an extremist formation under Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code; he was sentenced to imprisonment in a penal colony;

8. Siarhei Paulavitski on charges of financing extremist activities under Article 361-2 of the Criminal Code; he was sentenced to three years of imprisonment in a penal colony.

We recognize the named individuals as political prisoners in accordance with paragraph 3.1 (a) of the Guidelines on the Definition of “Political Prisoner”, and demand that the Belarusian authorities:

• immediately release political prisoners Aliaksandr Yakushkou, Artsiom Ziankou, Valery Mefadziyenka, Andrei Labada, Maryna Leanovich, Yauhen Zaitsau, Yauhen Stsiapanau, Siarhei Paulavitski;

• immediately release all political prisoners and stop political repression.

Human Rights Center Viasna;

Belarusian Helsinki Committee;

Office for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

Legal initiative;

Belarusian Association of Journalists;

PEN Belarus.