UN Experts Alarmed by Treatment of Political Prisoners in Belarus

The experts urged Belarusian authorities to provide immediate access to independent medical care for detainees whose health is at risk.

United Nations human rights experts have raised serious concerns about the treatment of several detainees in Belarus who were convicted on what are described as politically motivated charges, including accusations linked to terrorism and extremism.

According to the experts, reports continue to emerge of prisoners being held in prolonged solitary confinement, denied contact with family members and subjected to severe restrictions because of their designation as "extremists" or "terrorists." These conditions, they warn, are having a devastating impact on both physical and mental health.

The experts said the health of several detainees has reportedly deteriorated significantly while in custody. In some cases, they fear that delays in medical treatment could result in permanent damage. They noted that the reported conditions may amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and, in certain circumstances, could constitute torture under international human rights standards.

Particular concern was also expressed about the use of incommunicado detention, where prisoners are held without meaningful contact with the outside world. Such practices, the experts said, can create conditions that may lead to enforced disappearance.

Case of former teenage detainee highlights wider concerns

Among the cases highlighted by the UN experts is that of Aliaksandra Pulinovich, who was just 16 years old when she was arrested in connection with the so-called "Black Nightingales" case involving anti-war graffiti protesting Russia's war in Ukraine.

The experts said she was allegedly subjected to ill-treatment during interrogation and later held in prolonged solitary confinement under harsh conditions. She was eventually sentenced to more than ten years in prison on terrorism and extremism-related charges.

Questions have also been raised about the fairness of the judicial process. The experts pointed to reports of extended pretrial detention despite her age, limited access to legal assistance and parental support, as well as the public portrayal of the accused as guilty before any conviction had been reached. Court proceedings were reportedly conducted behind closed doors without clear justification.

Several other detainees were also mentioned in the statement. Concerns were raised about the health of political prisoner Volha Mayorava, who is reportedly not receiving adequate treatment for a serious medical condition. Businessman Yahor Volkau is said to be facing a similar situation despite worsening health problems.

The experts also highlighted the case of activist Stsiapan Latypau, who reportedly spent long periods in punitive isolation and attempted suicide multiple times while protesting against alleged abuse and mistreatment in detention. Independent trade union activist Viachaslau Areshka, aged 71, is reportedly being denied appropriate medical care despite living with a permanent disability.

UN calls for urgent action and legal reforms

The experts urged Belarusian authorities to provide immediate access to independent medical care for detainees whose health is at risk. They also called for humanitarian release or alternative non-custodial measures in cases where imprisonment could endanger lives.

Beyond individual cases, the UN experts criticized provisions in Belarusian law that allow extended disciplinary isolation, restrictions on family communication and other measures that they say conflict with international standards governing the treatment of prisoners.

They also reiterated concerns about legal provisions that permit prison sentences to be repeatedly extended for alleged disobedience to prison authorities. According to the experts, these sanctions can be imposed without adequate due process protections or effective legal remedies.

The statement further warns that Belarus continues to use counter-terrorism and anti-extremism laws in ways that may criminalize peaceful expression, civic participation and cultural activities. One example cited was the prosecution of Sergei Salash, who is associated with an independent cultural initiative and whose case has reportedly raised concerns about restrictions on cultural expression and freedom of association.

The experts confirmed that they have formally contacted the Government of Belarus regarding the cases. They stressed that protecting the rights, dignity and wellbeing of detainees remains an essential obligation under international human rights law.