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.
Related articles
Mississippi's 2024 recreational red snapper season opens Friday
BILOXI, Miss. (AP) — Private recreational anglers and for-hire vessels get their chance at red snapp2024-05-22GOP lawsuits over voting creates shadow war ahead of the election
CHICAGO (AP) — As President Joe Biden and Donald Trump step up their campaigning in swing states, a2024-05-22Canton Fair sees surge in number of overseas purchasers: official
BEIJING, April 19 (Xinhua) -- The 135th session of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as t2024-05-22China's new quality agricultural productive forces to be fully developed: report
BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- In the coming decade, China's agricultural sector will witness the ful2024-05-22Russia begins nuclear drills in an apparent warning to West over Ukraine
Russia’s military on Tuesday began drills involving tactical nuclear weapons that were announced by2024-05-22Matthews scores as Maple Leafs beat Bruins 3
BOSTON (AP) — Max Domi held the puck inside the Toronto defensive zone, waiting for Auston Matthews2024-05-22
atest comment