Human rights defenders have recognized 16 people as political prisoners after they were prosecuted for interacting with “extremist formations” and exercising freedom of expression.
They include Yahor Buzhylau, Aliaksandr Baranau, Aliaksandr Karneyeu, Maksim Vaitsiakhovich, Aliaksandr Milkamanovich, Hleb Herasimovich, Dzmitry Luhovich, Andrei Spasau, Illia Karpau, Pavel Kaberda, Uladzimir Padabed, Aliaksandr Famin, Vital Halubouski, Viktar Keler, Uladzimir Stryzhych and Uladzislau Kraskouski.
According to the Viasna human rights center, 854 people currently hold political prisoner status in Belarus.