“The jail sentences delivered at this time in Belarus in opposition to 4 human rights defenders, together with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, are deeply troubling and indicative of the continued repression within the nation,” stated Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN human rights workplace, OHCHR.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk has referred to as for an finish to the persecution of human rights defenders and of individuals expressing dissenting views, and for an finish to arbitrary detention as soon as and for all, she stated.

Lengthy jail phrases

Authorities introduced at this time that Mr. Bialiatski, chair of the Viasna Human Rights Heart, acquired a 10-year jail sentence associated to smuggling and extremism-related fees.

Three different Viasna members – Valiantsin Stefanovich, Uladzimir Labkovich, and Dzmitry Salauyou – got sentences of 9, seven, and eight years respectively. Mr. Salauyou was tried in absentia.

“We stay deeply involved that, as of at this time, some 1,458 folks are reported to be in detention in Belarus on politically motivated fees,” she stated.

Convicted for rights work

“The lack of independence of the judiciary and different violations of honest trial ensures have resulted in human rights defenders in Belarus being criminally prosecuted, convicted, and sentenced for his or her reputable human rights work,” she stated.

This contains latest jail sentences meted out associated to fees of extremism and excessive treason, she added.

On 17 February, 10 members of the employees motion Rabochy Rukh, have been sentenced to between 12 and 15 years, and on 8 February, journalist Andrzej Poczobut, was sentenced to eight years in jail.