In recent days, pressure on relatives of former political prisoners has intensified in Belarus. In most cases, security forces have visited relatives of former political prisoners who were deported from the country or left themselves for fear of persecution, human rights initiative Dissidentby reports.
Some relatives are summoned for “talks” as often as twice a week. They are threatened, including with being barred from leaving Belarus, and pressured to cooperate.
Security forces demand that relatives influence their family members living abroad so that they pass on information about what is happening in activist circles. Particular attention is being paid to people planning to take part in events marking the anniversary of the 2020 protests.
Earlier, reports emerged of increased pressure on relatives and acquaintances of journalists who have left Belarus.
