Belarusian human rights defenders have recognised another 14 people as political prisoners. They are Volha Barunova, Alyaksei Kerdal, Vital Zhaliazniakou, Alyaksandr Zalatarievich, Uladzimir Zinavenka, Dzianis Piatrоu, Tatsiana Shynkevich, Dzmitry Kapuza, Volha Kapuza, Alyaksandr Kanavalchyk, Ivan Vainou, Mikita Krasko, Viachaslau Bianko, and Andrei Repetsij, the Viasna Human Rights Centre reported.
Mikita Krasko, Viachaslau Bianko and Andrei Repetsij were detained in the so-called “radio amateurs case”. They are accused of treason and espionage.
Spouses Dzmitry and Volha Kapuza were sentenced to 24 and 21 years in prison respectively on charges of an “act of terrorism” and “illegal actions involving ammunition”.
Kanavalchyk is being held in a pre-trial detention centre on charges of aiding “extremist activity” and inciting hatred, while Vainou is accused of treason, participation in a terrorist organisation, and participation in hostilities on the territory of another country.
Volha Barunova was sentenced under Articles 130 and 361-4 of the Criminal Code on charges of inciting “other social hatred” and aiding extremist activity to three years’ imprisonment in a correctional colony.
Alyaksei Kerdal was sentenced under Articles 130 and 342 of the Criminal Code on charges of inciting “other social hatred” and participating in group actions that grossly violate public order to five years’ imprisonment in a correctional colony.
Vital Zhaliazniakou was sentenced under Articles 130 and 367 of the Criminal Code on charges of slandering A. Lukashenka and inciting “other social hatred” to imprisonment in a correctional colony.
Alyaksandr Zalatarievich was sentenced under Articles 368, 361-1 and 130 of the Criminal Code on charges of insulting a representative of the authorities and A. Lukashenka, inciting “other social hatred”, and “calls for illegal actions aimed at harming the national interests of the Republic of Belarus” to four years’ imprisonment in a correctional colony.
Uladzimir Zinavenka was sentenced under Article 130 of the Criminal Code on charges of inciting “other social hatred” to four years’ imprisonment in a correctional colony.
Dzianis Piatrou was sentenced under Article 130 of the Criminal Code on charges of inciting other social hatred to three years of restricted freedom in a correctional institution and is currently serving his sentence.
Tatsiana Shynkevich was sentenced under Article 130 of the Criminal Code on charges of inciting “other social hatred” to imprisonment in a correctional colony.
