There are more than 280 political prisoners in Belarus and many other people were detained for shorter period of time, severely beaten, tortured by state aparatus of the dictator. The main trusted source of information and a list of prisoners can be found on the website of the human rights organization Viasna96, numbers are still growing…
https://prisoners.spring96.org/en
Here we have selected a few stories of ordinary people who found themselves in prison only for their involvement in the election campaign or just an active social attitude. More can be found on Viasna page and we will try to cover more. It depends also on your support, you can write us on Join campaign link, where you can write us e-mail for guidance how to organise large billboard posting, support next billboards financially or volunteer in describing stories of #BelarusHeroes – political prisoners. We are adding first selected 10 stories and then full list:
Ten selected stories
Maryna Hlazаva
( Марына Глазава, Марина Глазова)
A young woman detained on September 25, 2020 for a chorovod (choral dance) on the street. Since then, he has been in custody in Brest. Accused of participating in a group event that grossly violates public order.
More information:
https://www.racyja.com/hramadstva/maryna-glazava-z-vadamyotnaga-uzho-me/
https://twitter.com/WhitherBelarus/status/1320429880362807303
Ihnat Sidorchyk
(Ігнат Сідорчык, Игнат Сидорчик)
Movie director. He has made several films, some of which he has starred in. He was lost in the first days of the post-election protests, was on the list of missing persons, later found in pre-trial detention in Žodzina, then transferred to Minsk. Accused of organizing mass riots.
More information:
http://spring96.org/en/news/49539
https://www.lphr.org/en/abgeordnete-aus-oesterreich-und-deutschland-uebernehmen-patenschaften-fuer-ihnat-sidorchyk-dzianis-kireshchanka-und-dzianis-chykaliou/
https://www.kino-teatr.ru/kino/acter/m/post/299292/foto/325335/
Tatsiana Kaneuskaya
(Таццяна Канеўская, Татьяна Каневская)
Electoral representative of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Gomel, mother of 4 children, participant in the mothers’ movement for more moderate detention sentences for juveniles. Detained the day before the election, on August 8, accused of disobedience towards police officer and organizing mass riots. By profession a teacher, she also worked as a cultural organizer. She was arrested during raid at her home. She was transferred from her native Homel to pre-trial detention in Minsk. Soon we will tell also story of second mother, Alena Maushuk, whose story is also described in article below.
More information:
https://www.voiceofbelarus.com/my-mom-is-in-prison/
Rastsislau Stefanovich
(Расціслаў Стэфановіч, Ростислав Стефанович)
Architect. Author of work for Belarus and abroad. Member of the wider body of the Coordination Council. Detained and beaten by OMON on September 28, the charges and place of detention are unknown.
More information:
https://www.facebook.com/rostislavstefanovich
https://novychas.by/hramadstva/palitvjazen-rascislau-stefanovicz-haceu-kab-hala?fbclid=IwAR0Wosa7P5MtuB-U61wy4EosDJ6RJKUOl4VBVKTe8a-EOpobalYRuSpL0bQ / https://spring96.org/be/news/99981
Aleh Rubets
(Алег Рубец, Олег Рубец)
An eighteen-year-old man. Detained on August 10 in Pinsk during the post-election protests, heavily beaten.
More information:
https://novychas.by/hramadstva/vycjahvali-z-kamer-i-zbivali-ih-za-ljubuju-drobja
http://spring96.org/ru/news/100182
Aliaksandr Vasilevich
(Аляксандр Васілевіч, Александр Василевич)
Entrepreneur, supporter of Belarusian cultural projects, such as the “cultural space of the Gallery Ў”, an independent information portal kuku.org.
Detained on August 28 by the Financial Police Department, the charges are unknown in a prison in Minsk.
More information:
http://spring96.org/en/news/99431
https://www.facebook.com/aliaksandr.vasilevich
Stsiapan Latypau
(Сцяпан Латыпаў, Степан Латыпов)
Arborist, industrial climber. As an expert in biology, he became involved in the fight with the Heracleum (giant hogweed) plant, personally sprayed larger areas and was also promoted on state television.
After he began to oppose repeated destruction of iconic street art “DJs of change” in the yard of his house, he was arrested. He was accused of preparing an attempt to poison police officers due to sprays and chemicals found during the search. In custody since September 15.
More information:
https://spring96.org/en/news/99693
https://palitviazni.info/viazen/%D1%81%D1%86%D1%8F%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BD-%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8B%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%9E
https://novychas.by/asoba/szto-vjadoma-pra-scjapana-latypava-abaroncu-ploszc
Aliaksandr Aranovich
(Аляксандр Арановіч, Александр Аранович)
Driver of blogger Siarhei Tsikhanouski’s caravan, in which he toured the regions of Belarus while shooting his videos. Arrested at a pre-election meeting in Hrodna on May 29, where signatures were collected for Sviatlana Tsikhanouska. Accused of preparing acts that grossly violate public order.
More information:
https://nashaniva.by/?c=ar&i=255888
https://spring96.org/en/news/97492
https://palitviazni.info/viazen/%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8F%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%80-%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%96%D1%87
Ihar Yarmolau
(Ігар Ярмолаў, Игорь Ермолов)
Volunteer of Viktar Babaryki’s election staff. Detained during the first days of post-election protests, when repressions was particularly brutal. According to his parents, he was beaten so that he had to undergo surgery in a military hospital. After the operation, he was returned to the KGB prison.
More information:
https://belsat.eu/en/news/arrested-and-beaten-member-of-viktar-babaryka-s-election-team-facing-criminal-case/
https://elections2020.spring96.org/en/news/99141
Viktar Kuushynau
(Віктар Куўшынаў, Виктор Кувшинов)
Manager of the Belarusian IT company PandaDoc, registered in the USA. PandaDoc began offering financial support to members of the force troops who voluntarily left work or lost it due to disobedience to criminal orders. Detained September 2. Accused of financial fraud. Other employees of the company, such as the accountant Julio Šardyk, were detained with him.
More information: https://belsat.eu/en/news/four-pandadoc-employees-charged/
https://www.facebook.com/Viktar.K
List of political prisoners in Belarus (not updated frequently)
Taken from http://spring96.org/en/news/49539 (where you can find much more details) and sorted alphabetically. Currently, total number of political prisoners is larger than 280 and still growing very fast. Gradually, we would like to add more links to personal stories of political prisoners, our #BelarusHeroes . If you have capacity to help us, please join campaign.
Afanasyeu Mikita
Afnahel Yauhen
Akostka Ruslan
Aktsistau Viktar
Aliaksandrau Andrei
Alsheuski Siarhei
Andreyeva Katsiaryna
Andrushoits Ivan
Antonau Mark
Arabeika Yana
Aranovich Aliaksandr
Artsetski Aliaksei
Ashurak Vitold
Babaryka Eduard
Babaryka Viktar
Babich Aliaksandr
Babrou Aliaksandr
Bahdzevich Ivan
Bahnavets Raman
Bandarenka Vitaliya
Barushka Viktar
Barysevich Katsiaryna
Bayarenka Kira
Berazinski Aliaksei
Bialko Yury
Bodak Yuliya
Bohnat Daniil
Boltuts Dzianis
Budzko Kasia
Bulybenka Anastasiya
Bunevich Dzmitry
Chamadanau Danila
Chapiuk Andrei
Charniauski Mikalai
Charvinski Aliaksei
Charvinski Yauhen
Chultsova Darya
Chyzheuski Uladzimir
Datsyshyn Ivan
Davydau Ryhor
Drazdou Aliaksandr
Drazdouski Siarhei
Drozd Pavel
Dubkou Dzmitry
Dudarau Uladzimir
Dzemukh Dzianis
Dziadok Mikalai
Dziarkach Aliaksandr
Dzmitryeu Yauhen
Falkin Yan
Famin Aleh
Ferenets Mikhail
Filatchankava Volha
Fitsner Hleb
Frantskevich Aliaksandr
Frantsuzau Aliaksandr
Fren Illia
Furmanau Dzmitry
Gebremariam Alana
Gedzhadze Aleksandr
Halko Dzmitry
Hancharou Mikita
Hardziyevich Siarhei
Harokh Uladzimir
Hatouka Hleb
Hatskevich Siarhei
Hayeuski-Hanada Akikhiro
Herasimuk Sviataslau
Hersche Natallia
Hladysh Mikhail
Hlushan Volha
Hopta Dzmitry
Hovar Yauhen
Hrableuski Aleh
Hrankouskaya Viktoryia
Hubeika Aliaksandr
Hubich Aliaksei
Hulis Uladzislau
Hunko Ryhor
Hurman Vadzim
Hutsin Dzianis
Hvazdziolka Raman
Isakau Artsiom
Ivaniushyn Andrei
Ivashkou Dzmitry
Kabanau Alaksandr
Kakhanouski Yauhen
Kalenik Maryia
Kalesnikava Maryia
Kalinouski Yauhen
Kalishuk Mikhail
Kananovich Raman
Kanapelka Dzmitry
Kanavalava Antanina
Kanetski Yahor
Kaneuskaya Tatsiana
Kaniaveha Ivan
Kapanaika Ihar
Kapanets Siarhei
Karabeinik Dzmitry
Karaka Dzmitry
Karalenia Andrei
Karanevich Raman
Karatchenia Aliaksandr
Karatkevich Dzmitry
Karatkou Aliaksei
Karetski Uladzislau
Kasakouski Artsiom
Kashaverava Yuliya
Kastsiuchyk Viachaslau
Kastsiuk Yury
Kazlou Dzmitry
Khalimonchyk Artur
Kharlovich Mikita
Khazei Dzianis
Khinevich Anatol
Khramenia Yahor
Khrenkou Andrei
Khvashcheuski Artsiom
Kireshchanka Dzianis
Kirylenka Aliaksandr
Kisialiou Aliaksandr
Klaskouskaya Volha
Kliukach Tsikhan
Komar Ivan
Korban Aleh
Korshun Siarhei
Kryuchenia Siarhei
Kubarau Dzmitry
Kulaha Aliaksandr
Kulakou Dzmitry
Kulsha Viktoryia
Kupreyeva Sviatlana
Kurhanau Yauhen
Kuushynau Viktar
Kuzmich Yury
Labatsevich Illia
Lakishyk Anton
Lasitsa Tatsiana
Lastouski Dzmitry
Latypau Stsiapan
Lazavik Stefan
Liazhenka Siarhei
Linnik Ruslan
Litvinenka Mikita
Losik Ihar
Losik Viktar
Lutskina Kseniya
Makavetski Uladzislau
Malashevich Safiya
Mankinenka Pavel
Martsinovich Uladzislau
Marusevich Dzianis
Mastsitski David
Maushuk Alena
Maushuk Siarhei
Melnichuk Valery
Melnikau Aliaksei
Mihno Illia
Mikhailau Stanislau
Mikhalka Uladzimir
Mirayeuski Siarhei
Mirontsava Anastasiya
Mirontsava Viktoryia
Mitsuk Artsiom
Nestserava Maryia
Niadbaila Pavel
Niapomniashchykh Uladzimir
Niaronski Uladzimir
Nikitsina Anastasiya
Nurdzinau Aliaksandr
Palaniankin Illia
Palchys Eduard
Pantsialeyeu Viktar
Papou Andrei
Parfionau Ruslan
Patrasayeva Aliaksandra
Paulavets Kiryl
Paulechka Artsiom
Pauliushchyk Maksim
Pekach Yauhen
Perapechka Aliaksandr
Peravoshchykava Anastasiya
Petrachenka Yauhen
Piaskou Pavel
Piatrukhin Siarhei
Pipiya Tamaz
Pipiya Tsimur
Plonis Siarhei
Popov Dmitry
Povarau Ihar
Prakapchuk Vital
Prakapchuk Yahor
Prapolski Yauhen
Prazhennikau Ihar
Prokharau Vital
Rabkova Marfa
Rahashchuk Viachaslau
Ramanau Aliaksei
Ratkevich Siarhei
Rayentau Aliaksandr
Rayentava Natallia
Reznik Aliaksandr
Rubasheuski Uladzimir
Rubets Aleh
Rudchyk Ihar
Rymarau Yan
Rymsha Siarhei
Ryzapur Tsimur
Safonava Maryia
Sakau Artsiom
Saladounikau Ryhor
Salavei Ihar
Salei Illia
Salokha Siarhei
Salonikau Mark
Samusenka Aliaksei
Samusenka Kim
Sanchuk Aliaksei
Saseu Mikalai
Sauchuk Artsiom
Seviarynets Pavel
Shabalin Aliaksandr
Shabaliuk Mikhail
Shametau Mikalai
Sharko Ala
Shchasnaya Iryna
Shcherbich Vital
Sheliamet Viachaslau
Shustau Uladzimir
Shynkevich Uladzimir
Siadou Viktar
Sidziuk Raman
Siniak Arseni
Siradze Marek
Slutskaya Yuliya
Slutski Piotr
Smolski Illia
Sparysh Siarhei
Spiryn Pavel
Statkevich Mikalai
Stefanovich Rastsislau
Stserlikau Aliaksei
Sudalenka Leanid
Suhoidz Yahor
Sunhurava Hanna
Syramalot Ksenia
Sysun Andrei
Takarchuk Artsiom
Trakhtenberg Illia
Tratsiakevich Mikita
Trotski Aliaksandr
Tsarykevich Viktar
Tseleshman Aliaksandr
Tsiareshka Aliaksandr
Tsikhanouski Siarhei
Tsimafeyenka Andrei
Tsimashenka Dzmitry
Tsurpanau Uladzimir
Tsyhanovich Uladzimir
Tur Dzmitry
Turkou Illia
Ulasau Yury
Valavik Anton
Vasilenka Heorhi
Vasilevich Aliaksandr
Viniarski Maksim
Vishniak Hanna
Voinich Andrei
Yafimau Siarhei
Yafremenka Aleh
Yakelchyk Tatsiana
Yakhin Raman
Yarashevich Siarhei
Yarmolau Ihar
Yemialyianau Mikita
Yeustsihneyeu Uladzislau
Yukhnevich Pavel
Zakharevich Aliaksandr
Zalatarou Mikita
Zbaranski David
Zbarouski Yaraslau
Zheburtovich Dzmitry
Zhuk Dzianis
Zinevich Maksim
Zlobina Iryna
Znak Maksim
Сhykaliou Dzianis
Released prisoners
Viasna also published a list (bottom of a page) of released political prisoners #BelarusHeroes which still face criminal charges.
Vasil Babrouski
Uladzimir Navumik
Viarhili Ushak
Alena Karahachava
Vitaly Shkliarov
Yury Vaskrasenski
Dzmitry Rabtsevich
Yulia Shardyka
Liliya Ulasava
Uladzislau Mikhalap
Pavel Niapeuny
As you can see, there are many political prisoners in Belarus. We are trying to make their stories public, to show that we are watching how are they treated. To publish as many as possible in best possible public places (in european cities – on billboards, big posters etc.) we need your help, please visit the page Join campaign to see how you can help.