Current:Home > reviewsBelarus human rights activist goes on hunger strike in latest protest against Lukashenko government-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
Belarus human rights activist goes on hunger strike in latest protest against Lukashenko government
lotradecoin decentralized exchange features View Date:2024-12-25 21:13:00
TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — A human rights activist in Belarus on Thursday began a hunger strike inside prison in the latest protest against the repressive government of Alexander Lukashenko, a rights organization said.
The Belarusian human rights organization Viasna said Aliaksandar Vaitseshyk went on hunger strike in the city of Baranavichy, in western Belarus, after being sentenced to 15 days of administrative arrest.
He was convicted on charges of “distributing extremist materials,” a charge which Belarus authorities have frequently used to detain activists in recent years.
Belarus was rocked by mass protests during Alexander Lukashenko’s disputed election in 2020, which the opposition and the West condemned as fraudulent. Since then Belarusian authorities have detained more than 35,000 people, many of whom have reportedly been tortured while in custody.
Vaitseshyk was detained on Nov. 9 by armed men near his home on the same day 10 opposition activists were also detained, Viasna said. During a search of his home, Vaitseshyk’s laptop and phone were confiscated.
On Thursday, another human rights activist was also detained in the southern city of Mozyr. According to Viasna, Uladzimir Tselyapun was on his way to file a complaint with the city government but was arrested before arriving. He is currently being held in a temporary detention center Viasna said.
There are 1,450 political prisoners currently behind bars in Belarus, including Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and human rights activist Ales Bialiatski.
veryGood! (82)
Related
- Rob Schneider Responds to Daughter Elle King Calling Out His Parenting
- Meta lays off staff at WhatsApp and Instagram to align with ‘strategic goals’
- 'Dune: Prophecy' cast, producers reveal how the HBO series expands on the films
- Powerball winning numbers for October 16 drawing: Did anyone win $408 million jackpot?
- Lady Gaga’s Brunette Hair Transformation Will Have You Applauding
- Colsen recalls nearly 90,000 tabletop fire pits after reports of serious burn injuries
- A parent's guide to 'Smile 2': Is the R-rated movie suitable for tweens, teens?
- Appalachian Hydrogen Hub Plan Struggles Amid Economic Worries, Study Says
- Police identify suspect in break-in of Trump campaign office in Virginia
- Montana man reported to be killed in bear attack died by homicide in 'a vicious attack'
Ranking
- What to stream: Post Malone goes country, Sydney Sweeney plays a nun and Madden 25 hits the field
- Louis Tomlinson Promises Liam Payne He’ll Be “the Uncle” Son Bear Needs After Singer’s Death
- TikTok let through disinformation in political ads despite its own ban, Global Witness finds
- Attorneys give opening statements in murder trial of Minnesota man accused of killing his girlfriend
- Walmart boosts its outlook for 2024 with bargains proving a powerful lure for the inflation weary
- Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis play father and daughter in ‘Goodrich’
- Powerball winning numbers for October 16 drawing: Did anyone win $408 million jackpot?
- Uphill battles that put abortion rights on ballots are unlikely to end even if the measures pass
Recommendation
-
Gena Rowlands, acting powerhouse and star of movies by her director-husband, John Cassavetes, dies
-
Mother, boyfriend face more charges after her son’s remains found in Wisconsin woods
-
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade lineup will include Minnie Mouse — finally
-
La Nina could soon arrive. Here’s what that means for winter weather
-
A slain teacher loved attending summer camp. His mom is working to give kids the same opportunity
-
Trump is consistently inconsistent on abortion and reproductive rights
-
Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis play father and daughter in ‘Goodrich’
-
Canadian Olympian charged with murder and running international drug trafficking ring