Zmitser Bandarenka not allowed to meet with his lawyer
On 5 April Mahiliou colony #15 where political
prisoner Zmitser Bandarenka is serving his term was visited by his wife and
lawyer.
According to human rights defender Barys Bukhel, the reason why the lawyer
wasn't allowed to meet with Bandarenka is that the colony administration noted
the presence of journalists.
His wife, Volha Bandarenka, intends to apply to court because of the refusal of
the prison medics to declare Zmitser Bandarenka a disabled person, but wants to
ask the husband's advice first.
Bear in mind that Zmitser Bandarenka was the head of the electoral headquarters
of the former presidential candidate Andrei Sannikau. He was sentenced to 2
years of imprisonment for participation in "Square-2010". His chronic
diseases exacerbated after the arrest. In July 2011 he underwent a spine
surgery in the prison hospital. Soon afterwards torture was used towards the
prisoner – he was forced to go to work, stand in line during long examinations.
Moreover, his crutch and orthopedic shoes were taken away and returned to him
only after he signed a pardon petition in the name of Lukashenka.
An individual communication on behalf of Mr. Bandarenka was filed with the UN
Committee against Torture.
