Life of hunger-striking prisoner at risk

Belarus is in the midst of an unprecedented human rights crisis following the widely-contested presidential election on 9 August 2020. In the lead up to the election and since, tens of thousands of peaceful protesters and those expressing dissenting opinions, have been targeted by the authorities, often using excessive force. According to local human rights defenders, 290 people are either in prison or detention as a result of trumped-up criminal charges brought against them solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression or peaceful assembly. Former presidential candidates and members of their campaign teams, independent journalists and bloggers, human rights defenders, civil society activists and people from all sectors of society are amongst them. 

There are widespread and consistent reports that detainees are held in poor conditions, deprived of adequate healthcare or exercise and denied contact with relatives including through denying them visits, receipt of much-needed food and clothes parcels and correspondence. Dozens have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment following flagrantly unfair trials.

Despite widespread condemnation from local and international human rights and intergovernmental organisations, Belarus shows no signs of ending its lawless targeting of those expressing dissent.