The statement on the recognition of 7 people as political prisoners

Statement by the human rights community of Belarus

September 18, 2024

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 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:

Natallia Varabei, Ala Kisel, Natallia Davydka, Alena Viarbitskaya on charges of facilitating extremist activities under Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code;

Maryna Aliseyenka 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;

Mark Nevar on charges of participating in extremist formation and facilitating extremist activities under Articles 361-1 and 361-4 of the Criminal Code; he was sentenced to imprisonment in a penal colony;

Aliaksandr Liutau on charges of facilitating extremist activities under Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code; he was sentenced to 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 Natallia Varabei, Ala Kisel, Natallia Davydka, Alena Viarbitskaya, Maryna Aliseyenka, Mark Nevar, Aliaksandr Liutau;

• immediately release all political prisoners and stop political repression.

Human Rights Center Viasna;

Legal Initiative;

Office for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

Lawtrend;

Belarusian Helsinki Committee.