Belarus: UN experts raise alarm over treatment of political prisoners, urge medical intervention

GENEVA – UN human rights experts* today expressed grave concern over the continued detention, alleged ill-treatment and denial of adequate medical care to several individuals imprisoned in Belarus on politically motivated charges, including charges related to “terrorism” and “extremism”.

“We are deeply alarmed by persistent reports of prolonged solitary confinement, incommunicado detention, denial of family contact, and severe restrictions imposed on detainees designated as ‘extremists’ or ‘terrorists’,” the experts said.

They warned that the health of several detainees had reportedly deteriorated severely in detention and that some may face irreversible harm if urgent medical assistance is not provided. “The situation may amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and in some cases could constitute torture,” adding that “prolonged incommunicado detention may amount or can be conducive to enforced disappearance”.

The experts expressed particular concern regarding the detention of Aliaksandra Pulinovich, who was only 16 years old at the time of her arrest in connection with the so-called “Black Nightingales” case concerning anti-war graffiti protesting the aggression against Ukraine. She was allegedly subjected to ill-treatment during interrogation, held in prolonged solitary confinement in inhumane conditions, before being sentenced to more than 10 years’ imprisonment on terrorism and extremism-related charges. The experts also expressed serious concern regarding reported fair trial violations in her case, including prolonged pretrial detention imposed on a minor, denial of adequate access to legal defence and parental support, public portrayal of the accused as guilty on State television prior to conviction, and the conduct of all court hearings behind closed doors without clear justification.

They also raised concerns regarding the health conditions of Volha Mayorava, Yahor Volkau, Stsiapan Latypau and Viachaslau Areshka.

Despite previous communications from Special Procedures mandate holders on the situation of women political prisoners and raising specific concerns, Volha Mayorava continues to be denied adequate treatment for her serious diagnosis and risks irreversible health deterioration that may result in her disability.

Yahor Volkau, a businessman prosecuted in connection with alleged participation in peaceful protest-related activities and purported financing of “extremist activities”, is also denied adequate medical care despite his deteriorating health situation.

Stsiapan Latypau has reportedly endured prolonged punitive isolation and made repeated suicide attempts in protest at the ill-treatment and psychological abuse he was subjected to in detention, which led to his dire physical and mental health.

Viachaslau Areshka, a 71-year-old independent trade union activist, was prosecuted in the context of the crackdown on independent trade unions in Belarus. He is reportedly being deprived of adequate medical care and reasonable accommodation, despite an irreversible disability resulting from his detention.

“We are also concerned about the prosecution of Sergei Salash, associated with the independent informal cultural initiative,” the experts said. His prosecution appears to be marred with procedural violations and raises concerns regarding the criminalisation of independent cultural expression and association under broadly framed “extremism”-related legislation.

“We urge Belarusian authorities to ensure immediate access to independent medical care and to consider humanitarian release or non-custodial measures for detainees whose health conditions place their lives and physical integrity at risk,” the experts said.

They also expressed concern over article 112 and article 114 of the Criminal Executive Code of Belarus, which allow for prolonged punitive isolation, restrictions on communication with family, denial of parcels and correspondence, and other disciplinary measures incompatible with international human rights standards, including the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) and the UN Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules).

The experts reiterated longstanding concerns regarding the use of article 411 of the Criminal Code of Belarus, allowing prison terms to be repeatedly extended for alleged “malicious disobedience” to prison administration, following arbitrary disciplinary sanctions imposed without due process and access to effective legal remedies.

“We remain seriously concerned that counter-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation in Belarus continues to be used to criminalise peaceful expression, civic engagement and cultural activity,” they said.

The experts have contacted the Government of Belarus about these cases.

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