Nearly 100 Belarus political prisoners have severe medical problems, rights group says

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Nearly 100 political prisoners in Belarus, incarcerated in a severe crackdown on dissent, have severe medical problems and could be close to death, the country’s respected human rights group Viasna said Monday.

Viasna, whose Nobel Peace Prize-winning founder Ales Bialiatski is among those imprisoned in the crackdown, identified 93 prisoners of particular concern who are suffering from cancer, heart disease and other conditions that are being neglected or poorly treated behind bars.

“In captivity, every disease progresses faster, in addition to the lack of qualified medical care,” said Viasna representative Pavel Sapelka. “This is influenced by the conditions of detention — lack of fresh air, poor nutrition, constant psychological pressure and stress.”

Belarus started a harsh crackdown on opposition after large protests arose across the country following August 2020 elections who disputed results gave authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko a sixth term in office.