Ольга Чукарева. Фото: Dissidentby
Political prisoner Volha Chukarava suffered a stroke in a pre-trial detention centre and has completely lost her sight, former political prisoner Maryna Zolatava wrote on Facebook.
Volha Chukarava is 50 years old. She worked as an accountant in the aviation sector. She was sentenced to four years in a penal colony under articles on creating or participating in an “extremist formation” (Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code) and insulting a representative of the authorities (Article 369 of the Criminal Code).
Chukarava was detained in autumn 2024. While in pre-trial detention, she suffered a stroke and lost her vision. During the quarantine period in the colony, staff reportedly did not believe that the woman could not see.
“Volha was detained in autumn 2024. In the detention centre, she suffered a stroke. She lost her sight. Completely. During quarantine in the colony, there were, frankly, some smart-alecks who did not believe it: ‘Then how did you get up? How did you walk here? You’re pretending.’
And Volha tried not to complain. Even when her blood pressure was 210 (you remember the stroke, right?). She only asked to be taught how to move more easily by touch. She learned.
After quarantine, she spent a couple of days in a unit. Then she was sent to the medical ward. She was taken for examinations. According to rumours, another serious diagnosis was added,” Zolatava wrote.
Volha Chukarava has two children. Her teenage daughter is in a boarding school, and her son is serving in the army. Her mother is a Group I инвалид, bedridden. It is unknown who is currently caring for her.
Volha Chukarava has been added to the list of “terrorists” and is unable to receive money transfers in the colony.