Former Political Prisoners Summoned for “Preventive Conversations” in Homiel

Former political prisoners in Homiel are being summoned to district police departments for “preventive conversations,” writes Homiel Viasna.

The “conversations” are often conducted by people in civilian clothing who do not identify themselves. Former political prisoners are asked about their personal beliefs and private lives: how they voted, how they view the current authorities, whether they hold grudges, whether they receive assistance from abroad, and whether they have relatives living in other countries.

The “conversations” are often conducted by people in civilian clothing who do not identify themselves. At the end of the meeting, former political prisoners are asked to sign a document confirming that the “preventive conversation” took place, human rights defenders reported.