Published on: 2026-06-03
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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UN human rights experts have expressed serious concern regarding the ongoing detention and harsh treatment of a number of individuals imprisoned in Belarus on politically motivated charges.
“We are deeply concerned by the reports of prolonged solitary confinement, conditions of complete isolation, deprivation of contact with family, and severe restrictions applied to prisoners whom the authorities have labeled as ‘extremists’ or ‘terrorists’,” experts stated.
They warned that the health condition of several prisoners, according to reports, has seriously worsened, and some may face irreversible harm if they do not receive urgent medical assistance.
“The situation can be equated to cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment, and in some cases it is a matter of torture,” the experts added, noting that “prolonged detention in conditions of complete isolation can be equated to violent disappearance.”
Experts expressed particular concern regarding the detention of Alexandra Pulinovich, who was only 16 years old at the time of her arrest in the so-called “Black Nightingale” case, connected to anti-war graffiti. According to reports, she was subjected to harsh treatment during interrogations, held in prolonged solitary confinement under inhumane conditions, after which she was sentenced to 10 plus years of imprisonment on charges of terrorism and extremism.
Human rights defenders also expressed concern about the health condition of Olga Mayorova, Yegor Volkov, Stepan Latypov, and Vyacheslav Oreshko.
“We call on the Belarusian authorities to ensure [those in need] immediate access to independent medical assistance and to consider the possibility of humanitarian release or the application of measures not involving deprivation of liberty for prisoners whose health condition threatens their life and physical inviolability,” experts announced. “We are seriously concerned that the legislation on countering terrorism and extremism in Belarus continues to be used to criminalize peaceful expression of opinions, civic activism, and cultural activities.”
Special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. They are not UN staff employees and do not receive a salary for their work. The experts act in a personal capacity and do not represent any government or organization.
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