Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “It seems so unrealistic that in 2024 we are talking about torture. But unfortunately, this is the reality in Belarus.
The authorities torture all dissenters. Spending even a few days in jail, being denied medical help or information from the outside world, and not having contact with loved ones – this is already torture for a person. But the ones facing the most torture are political prisoners. Every day, they face violence in prisons: long sentences on trumped-up charges, horrific conditions, and incommunicado detention. According to human rights activists, there are now more than 1,500 political prisoners behind bars. Over 1,600 detainees have served their sentences and been released.
At least seven people are kept incommunicado, without contact with the outside world. 517 young people, the future of Belarus, are losing their health and the best years of their lives – the youngest political prisoner is a 16-year-old girl. Mothers are deprived of parental rights, and even families are thrown into prison, like fathers with sons or spouses… This all leads to tragic consequences. Six political prisoners have been tortured to death by the regime – and this is only what we’ve heard of.
Political prisoners are held as hostages. Even after serving their sentences, they face new charges and are sent back to prison. For example, Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk was supposed to be released in May but the regime imprisoned her for the fourth time.
Today, let us remember how important it is to defend human rights and fight against dictatorship. We share a collective responsibility to free political prisoners. This is why, dear friends, as long as it is safe for you, I invite you to make donations, hold solidarity rallies, and draw international attention to the situation in Belarus. If you cannot do this, write letters to political prisoners and support their families. We can all make a difference.
We must be the voice of political prisoners, seek justice, and demand an end to repression”.
