Security Forces Ask Political Prisoners Whether They Plan to Stay in Belarus — Nasha Niva

Security forces across the country are asking political prisoners about their plans to leave or remain in Belarus after their release, Nasha Niva reported.

The outlet is aware of at least four institutions where administrations gathered political prisoners and questioned them on this issue. These include colonies for first-time offenders, colonies for repeat offenders, and open-type correctional facilities known as “khimiya”.

Both prisoners nearing release and those serving long sentences are being questioned. The content of the conversations varies, but the main question concerns whether the political prisoner wants to stay in Belarus or leave the country. Prisoners are allowed to inform relatives about these conversations in phone calls and letters.