Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist Ales Bialiatski marked his 1,000th day in prison in Belarus on Tuesday, with increasing concerns about his declining health. Bialiatski’s wife, Natalia Pinchuk, revealed that he has been held in solitary confinement for the past six months despite suffering from chronic illnesses. She expressed worries about his worsening condition and the lack of proper medication. Pinchuk called on the United Nations to intervene and help Bialiatski, who is serving a 10-year sentence related to his human rights activities, along with other political prisoners in Belarus.
Bialiatski, Belarus’ leading human rights advocate and a recipient of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, founded the Human Rights Center Viasna, the country’s most prominent human rights organization. However, Viasna has been labeled an extremist group by Belarusian authorities. Bialiatski was convicted in March 2023, along with several colleagues, on charges of financing actions that violated public order and smuggling, allegations he denied. His arrest was part of a broader crackdown following protests over the 2020 election, which extended authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko’s rule and was widely seen as a sham.
The protests in Belarus were the largest in the country’s history, resulting in over 35,000 arrests and numerous instances of police brutality against demonstrators. Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994 and is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, supported Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Bialiatski is currently serving his sentence at a prison colony for repeat offenders in Gorki, a facility known for its harsh conditions and mistreatment of inmates. Pinchuk revealed that Bialiatski has been held in a punishment cell within the prison for the past six months, further deteriorating his living conditions.
Despite international condemnation and calls for his release, Bialiatski continues to suffer under the oppressive regime in Belarus. Last month, 27 Nobel laureates issued an open letter demanding the release of all political prisoners in Belarus, describing the situation in the country as a “humanitarian catastrophe.” Viasna, the human rights group founded by Bialiatski, reports nearly 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus, highlighting the widespread violation of human rights by the government. Additionally, Belarusian authorities have targeted activists who support Ukraine, with one activist sentenced to 10 years on charges relating to his involvement in supporting Ukrainian forces.
The crackdown on dissent in Belarus extends beyond its borders, with activists facing persecution even in neighboring countries like Ukraine. A Belarusian opposition activist was convicted and sentenced to 10 years for his alleged support of Ukraine, demonstrating the reach of Lukashenko’s repressive tactics. The death of Vital Shyshou, former leader of Belarusian House, a Kyiv-based NGO assisting Belarusians fleeing political repression, further underscores the dangers faced by those opposing the regime. The ongoing criminal probe into Shyshou’s death and the targeting of his partner, Bazhena Zholudz, highlight the ruthless tactics employed by Belarusian authorities to suppress dissent and maintain control over the population.
