A political prisoner in Belarus smuggles out account of beatings after writing on toilet paper
Time:2024-05-22 02:41:34 Source:travelViews(143)
TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — A political prisoner in Belarus has shed light on the country’s brutal prison system by smuggling out her story written on pieces of toilet paper.
Katsiaryna Novikava, 38, described being repeatedly beaten by security forces after she was detained in June 2023 wearing only a nightshirt. She became one of hundreds of political prisoners in the country of 9.5 million people ruled by authoritarian dictator Alexander Lukashenko.
“Everyone who was in the office beat me. They hit me on the head,” Novikava wrote, describing how she was assaulted during interrogation in several detention centers. Her account was published in independent Belarusian media.
Belarus was rocked by mass protests during Lukashenko’s controversial re-election in August 2020 for a sixth term, which the opposition and Western nations condemned as fraudulent. Since then, Belarusian authorities have detained more than 35,000 people, many of whom were tortured in custody, forced to flee the country and labeled “extremists” by authorities, according to the Belarusian human rights center Viasna.
Previous:Auburn running back Brian Battie on ventilator after weekend shooting in Florida, coach says
Next:Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
You may also like
- Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
- China, U.S. should work together in same direction to stabilize, improve bilateral relations
- Bundy family standoff: 10 years on, cattle graze disputed Nevada land
- Commentary: China's COVID policy optimization to propel global economic growth
- 'Real life' Martha from Baby Reindeer's million
- Dialogues, consultation have strength in resolving conflicts
- China renews blue alert for strong winds
- A ticking bomb
- Lafrenière continuing his breakthrough season as a solid contributor for Rangers in NHL playoffs