6 more people recognized as political prisoners in Belarus

The Viasna Human Rights Center reports about six new political prisoners in Belarus and explains why it considers the cases against them politically motivated.

The Belarusian authorities continue to use criminal liability for protest actions to suppress public and political activism and anti-war protests. Criminal legislation has been substantially tightened and extended with new amendments that are used solely for political repression. The Ministry of Interior and the KGB recognize as extremist groups of citizens who are brought together by public or political interests and criticize the actions of the Belarusian authorities.

Yuliya Yurhilevich and Darya Losik are charged with “extremist activities”. Valiantsin Samasiuk was detained for sending photos of railway equipment to a Telegram chat recognized as an extremist formation. Yauhen Karpau, Maksim Stasiuk, and Aliaksandr Ainutdzinau are convicted for an attempt to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces and participate in military activities on the Ukrainian side.