Support political prisoners in Belarus: List of the accused and convicted in Belarus.

Please write to the addresses indicated in the description of each of the prisoners. We also encourage you to contact us if you want to engage with support actions for one particular prisoner.

List of political prisoners still in custody as per December 2012:

Based on information from www.spring96.org, www.charter97.org and with NHC updates. List in alphabethical order:

Ihar Alinevich

Detained on 29 November 2010. On 27 May 2011 was sentenced to 8 years in high-security prison by the Zavadski District Court of Minsk under part 2 of Article 339 (malignant hooliganism), parts 2 and 3 of Article 218 of the Criminal Code (defilement of property in a generally dangerous way and on an especially large scale). Is serving his term in penal colony # 10 in Navapolatsk.

Please find a mini-documentary about Ihar here

Mikalai Autukhovich

Detained on 8 February 2009, on 6 May 2010 was sentenced to 5 years and 2 months in high-security prison by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus under part 3 of Article 295 of the Republic of Belarus (unlawful actions with firearms, ammunition and explosives). On 17 January 2012 was tried for alleged violations of the prison regime. The regime of the punishment was toughened, as a result of which Mr. Autukhovich was transferred from penal colony #5 in Ivatsevichy to cell-type prison #1 in Hrodna.

Mikalai Dziadok

Detained on 3 September 2010. On 27 May 2011 was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months of imprisonment by the Zavadski District Court of Minsk under part 2 of Article 339 (malignant hooliganism). Is serving his term in penal colony #15 in Mahiliou.

Aliaksandr Frantskevich

Detained on 3 September 2010. On 27 May 2011 was sentenced to 3 years in high-security prison by the Zavadski District Court of Minsk under part 2 of Article 351 (intentional destruction of computer information) and part 2 of Article 339 (malignant hooliganism). Is serving his term in penal colony #22 in Ivatsevichy.

Eduard Lobau

Born in 1988 in Minsk. Eduard has always wanted to pursue a military career. Served in the special unit of Vitsebsk paratroops, where he meet a Young Front Homel activist and later became member of the movement. Former chair of Young Front Minsk office. He is still planning to become a professional officer and dreaming of reviving the Belarusian army. Detained on 18 December together with Young Front leader Zmitser Dashkevich. Charged under Par. 3 Art. 339 of the Criminal Code (“hooliganism”). While in Zhodzina penal colony, he refused to testify against Young Front activists and was threatened with violence. Sentenced to four years in a labour colony.

Eduard may be written to in the colony on the following address: Lobau Eduard Anatoliievich, 225295, Brest region, Ivatsevichy, Vouchyia Nory, corrective colony #22, p/b 20, Belarus.

Watch mini-film about Eduard and his dreams here

Vasil Parfiankou

On 9 August 2012 was sent to prison to serve 6-month arrest, to which he was sentenced by the Pershamaiski District Court of Minsk on 29 May 2012 under Article 421 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, “violation of the conditions of preventive surveillance”. Serving the sentence in the detention center in Baranavichy.

* Artsiom Prakapenka

Detained on 17 January 2011. On 18 May 2011 was sentenced to 7 years in high-security prison by the Babruisk District and City Court under part 2 of Article 339 (malignant hooliganism) and part 2 of Article 218 (especially large-scale defilement of property). Is serving his term in prison #17 in Shklou.

Mikalai Statkevich

Born on 12 August 1956 in the village of Liadna, Slutsk district in the family of teachers. Graduate of Minsk army engineering college. In 1978-1982 Mikalai servedin the army in Murmansk region, Russia. In 1986 he received a candidate’s degree, in 1993 – a doctor’s degree. He is the author of over 60 works. Mikalai is in the military rank of lieutenant colonel.

In 1990 he was one of authors of the new concept of Belarusian army. In 1991 he severed himself from the USSR Communist Party in protest against the Vilnius January events. On 20 August 1991 he was the only Belarusian military officer to denounce the Soviet coup d’état attempt. The same year he founded the Association of Belarusian Military Officers and was its head until 1995. In 1991 Mikalai joined the Central Council and the Executive Committee of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party Narodnaya Hramada. Mikalai has been the leader of the European Coalition since 2003. In 2005 he was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment for staging a street protest against the official results of the 2004 parliamentary elections and referendum. A candidate during presidential elections. Mikalai took part in the 19 December Minsk demonstration. He was detained and put into the KGB pre-trial prison, where he was on a hunger strike from 19 December to 12 January. On 26 May the Leninski District Court of Minsk sentenced him to 6 years in a high-security colony.

Write Mikalai Statkevich at address: 213004, Mahiliou region, Shklou penal colony № 17, Belarus.

Watch a mini-film about Mikalai here.

* Yauhen Vaskovich

Detained on 17 January 2011. On 18 May 2011 was sentenced to 7 years in high-security prison by the Babruisk District and City Court under part 2 of Article 339 (malignant hooliganism) and part 2 of Article 218 (especially large-scale defilement of property). Is serving his term in prison #17 in Shklou.On 12 October 2011 was tried for alleged violation of the prison regime. As a result, the prison regime was toughened and Mr. Vaskovich was transferred from penal colony #15 in Mahiliou to prison #4 in Mahiliou.

* Actions of these persons contain traits of an offence, but its qualification is considered as unfair and the imposed penalty is excessive. We believe that they have already served enough time in prison for their deeds and their further imprisonment is politically motivated.

List of the persons who were persecuted, but are now in freedom:

Based on information from www.spring96.org, www.charter97.org and with NHC updates. List in alphabethical order

Dzmitry Apishau

Born on 4 February 1973 in Minsk. Previously convicted for storing drugs. Not affiliated with any political movements. Detained during the 19 December 2010 post-election protest and sentenced to 10 days of arrest. Arrested as a suspect in the mass riot case and released three days later. Still awaiting charges. No official accusation was presented

Aliaksandr Arastovich

Born on 9 December 1952 in the town of Slutsk. Graduate of Belarusian Polytechnic Institute and postgraduate course in then Czechoslovakia. Worked as a university professor for 27 years. At present, employee of a private firm.

In 1992-2005 – member of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party. In 2001 elected deputy chair of the BSDP “Narodnaya Hramada” founding committee (chaired by Mikalai Statkevich). During the 2010 presidential election – activist of Statkevich’s campaign team.

Detained on 19 December together with Mikalai Statkevich (the taxi they had taken was blocked by the police). Former prisoner of the KGB pre-trial prison, released on recognizance on 15 February. Officially charged under Art. 293 of the Criminal Code.

Dzmitry Bandarenka

Civil activist, member of the Belarusian Association of Journalists. In 1995-1996, journalist of the independent Radio 101.2 FM, later closed down by the authorities. One of the founders of the Charter-97 civil initiative, coordinator of the European Belarus civil campaign. During the 2010 presidential election, he was an activist of Andrei Sannikau’s campaign team. Arrested on 20 December at his apartment and put in custody at the KGB pre-trial prison. In late December he was officially charged in a criminal case initiated by the preliminary investigation department of Minsk city department of internal affairs under Par. 1 and 2 Art. 293 of the Criminal Code (mass riot) and may be imprisoned for up to 15 years. The charges were changed in April and he now faces the milder charges: par. 1 art. 342 of the criminal code – ”organisation and preparation of activities that grossly violate public order, or actively participate in them.» In the trial held on 26 April, Zmitser was found guilty of “organizing group actions that breach public order” for taking part in a protest demonstration against the rigged results of the presidential elections on December 19, 2010 and sentenced to two years’ in a minimum security penal colony.Please address letters to: 213105, Mahiliou, Slauharad shasha, Veina penal colony № 15. Belarus.

Watch a mini-film about Dzmitry here.

FREED ON 15 APRIL 2012!

Sviataslau Baranovich

Sviataslau Baranovich is the last accused in the criminal case over the so called mass riot on 19 December 2010. The investigation into his case is over. Sviataslau was given charges under Article 293, part 2 – “participation in mass riot”, which envisages 3-8 years of imprisonment. Baranovich served at: Detention Centre 1, Valadarsky Street 2, Minsk 220050

On 28 of August 2011 Minsk Maskouski District Court opened the hearing of the criminal charges brought against Baranovich. Judge Mrs. Alena Rudnitskaya postponed the trial till 28 September after only 12 out of 30 alleged police victims appeared in the courtroom. The Judge also ruled to release the accused before the trial after spending over 2 months in Minsk pre-trial prison #1. Sviataslau Baranovich still faces charges under Par. 2 Art. 293 of the Criminal Code (“participation in mass riots”) and may be imprisoned for up to 8 years. His trial is scheduled for 12 October, 2011.

Aliaksandr Bialiatski

Ales Bialiatski, the head of the Human Rights Centre “Viasna” and vice-president of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), on 4 August 2011. Ales Bialiatski was accused of gross tax evasion in violation of the art. 243 part 2 of the Criminal Code of Belarus and risked imprisonment up to seven years. On 24 November 2011 Ales was convicted to 4.5 years medium security prison and confiscation of property. The sentence is appealed. Ales Bialiatski is a laureate of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee’s Sakharov Freedom Award in 2006. Read more about Ales and his case here.

Watch a mini-film about Ales here.

Please, write to Ales Bialiatski at: 213800 Bobryjsk, Sikorskogo street, 1, IK-2

Artyom Breus

Born in 1983 in Estonia, where he is currently registered by the local consular section of the Russian Federation embassy as a Russian citizen. Lately, residing in Minsk. Detained during the 19 December protest in Nezalezhnastsi Square. Arrested for 15 days and released on 29 December together with other Russian nationals. However, on the same day, he was detained in the criminal case. On 5 January, he was officially charged. Was kept in custody at Minsk pre-trial prison #1 in Valadarski Street. On 10 March was sentenced to pay 10.5 million rubles fine by the Maskouski District Court of Minsk.

Zmitser Dashekvich

Born on 20 July 1981 in the village of Kushnery, Ivatsevichy district, Brest region. As a child, Zmitser lived in Russia’s Magadan, then in the town of Staryja Darohi, Belarus. There he finished school #2. Former student of Hrodna Agricultural Institute. In 2001, he joined the Young Front youth movement. In the autumn of 2001, he was one of the protectors of the Kurapaty memorial. Then, he entered the Faculty of Slavic Studies at Vilnius University. Zmitser was elected chair of the Young Front Minsk city office. Active participant and organizer of numerous pro-democracy mass events. He has been repeatedly prosecuted for his political activities. In 2004, he participated in a protest against the results of the referendum on Lukashenka’s third term. Then he was elected chair of the Young Front. In the 2006 presidential election, Zmitser collaborated with Aliaksandr Milinkevich’s team, being one of the organizers of a mass protest rally in Minsk Kastrychnitskaya Square. In September 2006, he was arrested and charged with “activities on behalf of an unregistered organization” (Art. 193-1 of the Criminal Code) and sentenced to 1.5 years of imprisonment. A year later, new charges were brought against him for his refusal to testify against 16-year-old Young Front activist Ivan Shyla. However, under severe pressure from the international community, the court sentenced him to a fine of BYR 1,860,000. Zmitser is recognized as a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International. In 2007, he was one of the nominees for the Robert Kennedy Award.

Detained on 18 December 2010 out-of-doors together with Eduard Lobau, accused of criminal “hooliganism.»Sentenced to two years’ in hard labour camp on 28 March 2011. On 28 August 2012, Zmitser was convicted to one additional year of detention for «malicious misbehaviour» in prison. This means that he will not be released by the end of the year as previously expected.

Free at last! 28 August 2013: Zmitser is finally released, after an exeptionally hard ordeal in prison. 

Watch a mini-film about Zmitser here.

Andrei Dzmitryieu

Born on 17 May 1981 in Minsk, studied at the philosophical faculty of the European Humanities University. Served in the army in 2000-2001. A member of the United Civil Party since 2001. Has taken part in the electoral campaigns at different levels since 1999. He advanced from a volunteer to the head of an electoral headquarters. Dzmitryieu was detained by the police for his political activities. In 2007, he served administrative arrest. On 18 May 2010, he was detained together with other activists of the Speak Truth civil campaign which the authorities tried to dissolve.

In 2005-2009, he had a business, being the head of a consulting company, but decided to close it down not to have any trouble with the authorities, as he intended to participate in the presidential electoral campaign. During the campaign, he headed the electoral team of the presidential candidate Uladzimir Niakliayeu. He was detained on the night of 19-20 December 2010, after the action of protest in Nezalezhnasts Square in Minsk, and put in the pre-trial prison of the KGB. Received charges under Article 293 of the Criminal Code, “mass riot”. On 3 January, he was released under a written recognizance not to leave Minsk.On 20 May, Minsk Frunzenski District Court sentenced Andrei Dzmitryeu to 2 years of suspended sentence.

Aliaksandr Fiaduta

Freelance journalist and civil activist. In 1994, Fiaduta was an activist for Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s campaign team, later appointed head of the Public and Political Information Department of the Presidential Administration. In 1995, Aliaksandr joined the opposition, collaborating with a number of independent newspapers: “Belorusskaya delovaya gazeta,» “Moskovskiye novosti,» “Imya,» “Narodnaya volya.» During the 2010 presidential election, Fiaduta was a member of Uladzimir Niakliayeu’s headquarters. Detained on 20 December and put into the KGB prison. In late December, he was charged with participation in the 19 December mass riot and may be imprisoned for up to 15 years. Released on recognizance on 8 April.On 20 May, Minsk Frunzenski District Court sentenced Aliaksandr Fiaduta to 2 years of suspended sentence.

Siarhei Kavalenka

Detained on 22 December 2011 within the framework of a criminal case instigated under Article 415 of the Criminal Code (violation of the regime of personal restraint). On 14 May 2010 had been sentenced to 3 years of personal restraint without direction to an open penitentiary institution by the Kastrychnitski District Court of Vitsebsk under part 1 of Article 339 of the Criminal Code (intentional actions which grossly violate the public order). Was for a period on hunger-strike in custody. Watch a mini-film about Siarhei here.

On 27 September 2012, Siarhei Kavalenka was released.

Siarhei Vazniak

Editor-in-chief of the Tovarishch newspaper, civil activist, and member of the Belarusian Association of Journalists. One of the founders of the Party of Communists of Belarus, renamed to the Belarusian United Left Party «Fair World» in 2009. During the 2010 presidential election he was an activist for Uladzimir Niakliayeu’s campaign team. He was arrested on 20 December at his apartment and put in custody in the KGB pre-trial prison. In late December, he was officially charged in a criminal case initiated by the preliminary investigation department of Minsk city department of internal affairs under Par. 1 and 2 Art. 293 of the Criminal Code (mass riot) and may be imprisoned for up to 15 years. On 29 December he was released on recognizance.

On 30 March 2011 the charges to him were changed to Article 342, part 1 of the Criminal Code, “organization of actions that grossly violate the public order, or participation in them”.  On 20 May, Minsk Frunzenski District Court sentenced Siarhei Vazniak to 2 years of suspended sentence.

Ivan Gaponov

Resident of the town of Svislach, Pukhavichy district, Minsk region. Born on 27 April 1988. Russian citizen, has a Belarusian residence permit, residing in Belarus with his mother and brother since 1995. His mother Sabira Atakishiyeva was born in Kyrgyzstan, his father is of Russian origin. Ivan finished school in Belarus and speaks Belarusian fluently. Ivan’s family arrived in Belarus from Latvia as Russian citizens in 1995. There were three minors in the family – Ivan, his brother and sister. Their migration to Belarus was advantaged by the fact that Ivan’s father used to have a job in Belarus, while his mother had lost her job in Ventspils, Latvia. They could not go to Kyrgyzstan, nor could they move to Russia, having no relatives there. Former student of Odessa University. Ivan Gaponov participated in the 19 December protest rally and was sentenced to 10 days of arrest. Released on 29 December together with other Russian nationals. However, an hour later he was detained in the criminal case. On 5 January, he was charged and kept in custody in the pre-trial prison in Valadarski Street. On 10 March was sentenced to pay 10.5 million rubles fine by the Maskouski District Court of Minsk.

Ryhor Kastusiou

Deputy chair of the Belarusian Popular Front Party. Born on 17 April 1957 in the village of Tsiakhin, Bialynichy district, Mahiliou region. Married, has three children.

Graduate of the Belarusian Agricultural Academy. Worked as an engineer and later head of a collective farm. In 2002-2004, manager of “Hidrasila-Belaya Rus” Belarusian-Ukrainian joint enterprise. Elected deputy of local councils three times. Employee of the Saint-Petersburg “Stroikom Ltd.”

Candidate for Parliament in 2004 and 2008. Election agent of Aliaksandr Milinkevich in the 2006 presidential election. Presidential candidate in the 2010 election.

Beaten and detained in Nezalezhnastsi Square on 19 December 2010. Released on recognizance on 20 December. Suspect in the mass riot criminal case.

Iryna Khalip

Born on 12 November 1976 in Minsk. Personal correspondent of Russian “Novaya gazeta” in Belarus. Former deputy editor-in-chief of “Belaruskaya delovaya gazeta” and editor-in-chief of “Imya” weekly, later closed down by the authorities. Repeatedly prosecuted for her journalist activities. In April 1997, Iryna, together with her father, screenwriter and documentarian Uladzimir Khalip, was badly beaten during an opposition rally. Winner of a number of awards, including the Dzmitry Zavadski Award (2003), the Henri Nannen Press Award (2005), the Hero of Europe Award (2005) and For Courage in Journalism Award (2009). On 19 December 2010, Iryna was violently detained and put into the KGB pre-trial prison. In late December Iryna was charged with involvement in mass riots and is facing up to 15 years of imprisonment. During her detention, the authorities tried to take away her 3-year-old son Danik Sannikov. In February 2011, Iryna Khalip received a journalists’ award “Russia’s Golden Pen.» Iryna is the wife of politician Andrei Sannikov, who also faces criminal charges for participation in the 19 December mass riot. The charges were changed in April and she now faces the milder charges: Par. 1 art. 342 of the criminal code – ”organisation and preparation of activities that grossly violate public order, or actively participate in them». In house arrest until mid-May. On 16 May 2011 she was sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment with 2-year determent. Irina experiences daily police checkups, her liberty of movement is strongly limited. She recently also received the Kesten Prize from the German PEN Centre.

Ales Kirkevich

Deputy chair and Hrodna leader of the Young Front. 21 years old. Born in Hrodna in the family of historians. Former student of History Faculty of Hrodna State University. Participant of the 19 December rally. Detained during the 24 December solidarity picket outside Minsk detention center and sentenced to 10 days in prison. Released on 3 January. On 6 January, fined for arranging an election meeting with presidential candidate Mikalai Statkevich.

Arrested on 28 January after a search at his apartment and interrogation by Hrodna KGB, then escorted to the KGB Minsk prison and charged under Par. 2 Art. 293 of the Criminal Code.Was sentenced to 4 years of imprisonment.

Address: 211440, Vitsebsk region, Navapolatsk, Tekhnichnaya St., 8 penal colony № 10, Belarus

Siarhei Kliuyeu

Youth activist of the United Civil Party (a member of the Young Democrats), a coordinator of the Speak Truth civil campaign. On 17 May 2011 was detained for preparation of protests against the abolition of social benefits. Was repeatedly punished with arrest for his political activities. Siarhei wasn’t present in the Nezalezhnasts Square on 19 December 2010. He was detained elsewhere and sentenced to 15 days of arrest. On January 2011 he was declared a suspect in the “mass riot” case. Was released from custody on a written non-leave undertaking. On 2 February he was summoned to an interrogation as a witness.

Mikita Krasna

Born on 26 September 1986 in Minsk. Former student of the Faculty of Law at Belarusian State University. Expelled for involvement in the 2006 presidential election. Currently a student of the Vilnius-based European Humanities University.

Mikita Krasnou was running for the Parliament in 2008 and local council (2010). In 2004-2010 – coordinator of the “Free Belarus” pro-democratic campaign. Graduate of local government courses in Belarus, Czech Republic and the Netherlands. In 2010 – coordinator of the “Citizen” campaign.

In the 2010 presidential election, Mikita Krasnou was election agent of Ales Mikhalevich. He did not participate in the 19 December 2010 events. However, he is suspected of involvement in the rally. Mikita Krasnou left Belarus after an attempted police raid at the “Citizen” campaign office.

Anatol Lebedko

Leader of the United Civic Party of Belarus. Born on 27 June 1961 in the village of Tryles, Staubtsy district, Minsk region. Worked as a mechanizer on a collective farm in his district. Then he entered the Faculty of French and History of Minsk Pedagogic University, graduating from it in 1985. Between 1985 and 1987 Anatol served in the Soviet Army. Then he worked as deputy head of Ashmiany boarding school. In 1990 he was elected deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the 12th convocation, working as deputy chair of the Commission for Youth Affairs. In 1992, he founded and headed the Belarusian Association of Young Politicians. In 1993, he graduated from the Law Faculty of Belarusian State University. During the 1994 presidential election, Anatol worked in Lukashenka’s team, later resigning over a row and joining the United Civic Party. In 1995, he was re-elected deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation, working as deputy chair of the Commission for Foreign Affairs. He denounced the 1996 referendum and refused to join the National Assembly after the dissolution of the Supreme Soviet. He has been repeatedly repressed by the authorities for his political activities. Anatol has been for a number of times charged with libel of the President. He was beaten up by unknown person in masks. On 19 October 2004, he was arrested together with Mikalai Statkevich and Pavel Seviarynets for participating in the protest rally against Lukashenka’s third term in office. He was badly beaten during the detention (he was taken to the hospital with a brain injury, broken ribs and internal injuries). At the 2005 congress of the United Pro-Democratic Forces, he lost by a couple votes to Aliaksandr Milinkevich, who was elected pro-dem candidate for the 2006 presidential election. Anatol was running for the Parliament in 2008, but lost.

During the 2010 presidential election, he worked in Yaraslau Ramanchuk’s team. Anatol was detained on 20 December by the KGB and put in the KGB pre-trial prison. Facing charges for staging mass riots. He is considered as a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International. Anatol has a wife and a son. Released on recognizance on 7 April, but is still under KGB surveillance and investigation.

Siarhei Martsaleu

Born on 29 May 1977 in Minsk in the family of scientists. Grand-son of Stanislau Martsaleu, head of the Institute of Art Theory and History, Ethnography and Folklore of the Academy of Sciences, and Leanid Yaumenau, Philosophy academician. Former student of the Foreign Relations Faculty of the Belarusian State University, expelled with Aliaksandr Kazulin as rector. However, he later became his associate. In mid-1990s, he was elected chair of the “Young Hramada” (youth wing of Mikalai Statkevich’s Belarusian Social Democrats Party). Left Belarus for Poland to receive a degree in political studies at Poznan University. In the 2010 presidential election, he was campaign chief of Mikalai Statkevich. He participated in the 19 December protest for a short time. Siarhei was detained on a train to Warsaw and put into the KGB pre-trial prison. Charged with staging mass riots. The charges were changed in April and he now faces the milder charges: Par. 1 art. 342 of the criminal code – ”organisation and preparation of activities that grossly violate public order, or actively participate in them.»On 16 May 2011 he was sentenced to two years of conditional imprisonment.

Vitaly Matsukevich

Was born in 1987. He was detained on 21 March for 3 days, as a suspect under Article 293, part 2. On 4 April received charges under Article 293, part 2. Former prisoner of the KGB prison. On 12 May, sentenced to 3 years in prison.

Andrei Mikalayeu

Born on 12 April 1975 in Minsk. In 1994, he was charged with robbery, convicted and sent to prison, where he contracted TB. In 2001, he was convicted of infliction of injuries, while resisting robbery. Andrei has been engaged in a redecoration business since 2006. He was not detained on 19 December. However, on 11 January his residence was searched and Andrei was arrested for three days. He then was questioned by military counterintelligence and released on recognizance. Still awaiting charges in the case.

Ales Mikhalevich

Born on 15 May 1975 in Minsk in the family of scientists. Student of Minsk school #19 and the Belarusian Humanities Lyceum. In 1997, he graduated from the Faculty of Law of the Belarusian State University. During his studies, he was head of the Association of Belarusian Students (an organization that protects the right of Belarusian students). Attended the internship courses at Warsaw University and Oxford University. Since 1997, he was engaged in youth exchange and tourism projects, since 2000 employed as a manager in the “Arcadia” travel agency. Left his job after seven inspections, following his participation in the 2004 parliamentary elections. Since 2005, he has been accredited by the Ministry of Economics as an anti-recession manager. In 2007-2008, he worked as legal counsel at the Soviet-Afghan War Disabled Veterans Association, in 2008-2010 – as a legal counsel at Belarusian Independent Trade Union. Fluent in four foreign languages. Between 2003 and 2007 he was deputy of Pukhavichy district council and coordinator of the Local Council Deputies Assembly. Former editor of the “Rehiyon” independent newspaper (town of Maryina Horka, Minsk region). Initiator of a number of decisions for the accretion of power of local self-government bodies. In 2004-2008 he was the deputy chair of the Belarusian Popular Front party. In 2008, he was nominated for the post of the Party’s chair but was expelled for public criticism of its leaders. In 2010, he launched a new movement “For Modernization.» A presidential candidate.

Detained on 20 December in his apartment for participation in the 19 December protest and put into custody in the KGB pre-trial prison. Charged under Art. 293 (“mass riot”). He has a family and two daughters: the younger daughter Aliona was born in late 2009. His wife Milana is an English language teacher. On 19 January, Ales was released on recognizance. In contradiction to his conditions for release Mikhalevich published information about torture in detention and has now left Belarus. His accounts of the use of torture have been confirmed by many other ex-prisoners.

Dzmitry Miadzvedz

Born on 16 January 1960 in Minsk. Received a degree in power engineering at Minsk Polytechnic Institute. Former employee of the Institute, he later worked in the construction industry. Many of Minsk’s famous buildings were constructed with Dzmitry’s assistance, e.g. the Sun Valley recreation park. He recently launched his own business in repairing, its future being currently at risk due to Dzmitry’s arrests. He has a wife and a one-year-old son. Dzmitry is not affiliated to any political parties or movements. He was detained in Nezalezhnastsi Square on 19 December and sentenced to 10 days in prison. After that he was once again detained in the mass riot criminal case. On 6 January he was charged under Par. 1 and 2 Art. 293 of the Criminal Code. Kept in custody at Minsk pre-trial prison #1 in Valadarski Street. On 10 March 2011 the Maskouski District Court of Minsk sentenced him to 3 years of personal restraint without direction to an open penitentiary institution.

Uladzimir Niakliayeu

A presidential candidate. Born on 11 July, 1946 in the town of Smarhon, he was studying at the town school №1. From 1961-1966 he was a student at Higher State Communications College. In 1973, he graduated from the department of philology at Minsk Pedagogical Institute. In 1971, he entered the department of poetry at Moscow Literature Institute. Uladzimir worked in Vladivostok, Taishet, and Norilsk. Upon his return to Minsk, he worked as a literature counsel in the newspaper “Znamya Yunosti” (1972-1975), editor of bulletin “Theatrical Minsk” (1975-1987). In 1978, he became a member of the USSR Union of Writers, collaborated with the Belarusian state TV, and in 1987-1998 was the chief editor of one of the most popular periodicals of the time – magazine “Krynitsa.» He was also chief editor of the weekly edition “Litaratura i Mastatstva.» In 1998-2001 Uladzimir was chair of the Union of Belarusian Writers. At a Union’s meeting in 2001, he suggested adopting a resolution declaring President Lukashenka a usurper, not eligible for running in the future elections. He soon left Belarus due to political reasons and settled in Poland. In 2003, he returned to Belarus. In 2005-2009, he was chair of the Belarusian PEN-Center. He is well-known for numerous collections of poetry and song lyrics. Between 1979 and 2009 he received many awards for his poetry, including the Lenin Komsomol Prize, the Yanka Kupala Belarusian State Literature Prize, the first prize in the 1st International Festival of Slavic Poetry “Singing Letters”. In 1986 he was awarded Order of the Badge of Honour – for contribution to literature. In 2010, he initiated the creation of the civil campaign “Tell the Truth!”, later denied registration by the authorities. One of the leaders of the 2010 presidential campaign. On 19 December, he was badly beaten and lost consciousness on his way to a peaceful protest rally. He was taken to the hospital with a brain injury. A few hours later he was kidnapped by the secret service agents, while on a drip. The violent detention was abrupt; being unable to walk, he was ragged to a car in a blanket. He was later found in the KGB pre-trial prison and charged with mass rioting. After Uladzimir was beaten, he had four hypertensic crises and had no opportunities to meet with a lawyer. On 29 January, he was released from prison and put under house arrest. Uladzimir has a wife and a daughter. On 17 February, the general meeting of the PEN-Center voted for Niakliayeu’s nomination for the Nobel Prize.On 30 March the charges to Uladzimir Niakliayeu were changed to Article 342, part 1 of the Criminal Code, “organization of actions that grossly violate the public order, or participation in them”. On 20 May 2011 was sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment with 2-year determent of sentence by the Frunzenski District Court of Minsk.

Anastasia (Nasta) Palazhanka

Deputy chair of the “Young Front”, charismatic leader of nation-oriented democratic youth. Born on 2 August 1990 in Minsk. Attended Schools # 73 and 37. In 2008 she entered the Philosophy and Political Studies Faculty of the European Humanities University. Member of the Young Front since 2004. She has been repeatedly subjected to harassment by the authorities, but soon became leader of the organization. In 2007 Nasta was, together with other Young Front activists, convicted under Art. 193-1 for illegal NGO membership and received an official warning by the court. Nasta has taken part in numerous rallies and campaigns by the Young Front, and has been repeatedly detained by the police. After she turned 18, Nasta began to be sentenced to administrative arrests. On 7 November 2008 she was arrested for 3 days for participation in an anti-Communist picket outside the KGB central office in Minsk. At the Young Front’s 6th Soim on 9 March 2008, Nasta was elected deputy chair of the movement. During the 2010 election campaign, she encountered never-ending harassment. On 9 December, 10 days ahead of the 19 December rally, she, together with other Young Front activists Zmitser Dashkevich, Mikola Dzemidzenka and Uladzimir Yaromenak, was detained by the police for alleged car theft. They were taken to a police station and released without charges a few hours later. Three of them are currently in custody in various pre-trial prisons. After the 19 December protest, Nasta was arrested at home by 15 KGB agents. She is facing charges for staging and participating in mass riots. On 17 February Nasta was released on recognizance. On 8 March she became the first Belarusian citizen awarded with the International Women’s Prise for Courage, passed to her by the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. On 30 March the charges to Nasta were changed to Article 342, part 1, “organization of actions that grossly violate the public order, or participation in them”. On 20 May, Minsk Frunzenski District Court sentenced Nasta Palazhanka to 1 year of suspended sentence.

Anatol Paulau

Chair of the Minsk city organization of the United Civil Party, member of its Political and National councils. Born on 18 June 1949 in the town of Vyborg in the Leningrad region, in the family of a military officer. He spent a part of his childhood at the Novaya Zemlya archipelago. Has lived in Minsk since 1965, when his father retired because the state of his health. Finished secondary school #4 in 1966, and graduated from the chemical faculty of Belarusian State University in 1971. Worked as a teacher in the Lahoisk district. In 1973-2000 – at various official positions in BSU. In the beginning of 2000 he was elected a member of the Minsk city committee of the trade union of educational and scientific workers, which was later dissolved. Headed the electoral headquarters of the presidential candidate Mikhail Chyhir at the election of 2001, and joined the UCP together with him.

Was an electioneering agent of the presidential candidate Yaraslau Ramanchuk during the 2010 presidential election. Detained at 7 a.m. on 20 December at home. Received charges under Article 293, part 1 and 2 of the Criminal Code, “organizing and participation in mass riot” and was placed in the pre-trial prison of the KGB. On 7 January was released under a written recognizance not to leave Minsk.

Andrei Pazniak

Born on 20 May 1977 in Zhodzina. Graduate of local professional lyceum. Employee of the BelAZ car plant. Detained on 19 December in Nezalezhnastsi Sqaure. Fined BYR 1,050,000. Arrested and charged under Par. 1 and 2 Art. 293 in early January 2011. Currently in custody in Minsk pre-trial prison #1 in Valadarski Street. On 26 May the Leninski District Court of Minsk sentenced him to 2 years of personal restraint without direction to an open penitentiary institution.

Natallia Radzina

Journalist of the Charter-97 web-site. Born on 3 May 1979 in the town of Kobryn in the family of an officer. She has worked with various independent periodicals – Imya, Narodnaya volia, Naviny, Nasha Svaboda. Repeatedly arrested and beaten during opposition rallies. On 16 March 2010 she received a blow at her face during a search at the Charter-97 office. In 2010 Natallia was nominated by the British human rights group Index on Censorship for the Freedom of Speech award for “fighting against repressions and activities aimed at changing political climate.” She was detained at the Charter-97 office on 20 December 2010 and put into the KGB pre-trial prison. In late December she was charged under Art. 293 (“mass riot”) and may be imprisoned for up to 15 years. On 28 December Natallia was released and put under house arrest in her native town of Kobryn. Was called for interrogation on 31 March and decided to leave the country. She has now applied for asylum in Lithuania.

Vital Rymasheuski

Born on 3 March 1975. Married with a daughter. Construction engineer, graduated from Belarusian National Technical University in 1997. In 1999 studied at the High State Management School at the Union of Public Government in Germany, did research on the economical and political situation of Germany. Has been a member of the Coordinative Council of the Belarusian Association of Young Politicians since 1996. In 2002-2004 – was a member of the Presidium of the Belarusian National Council of Youth and Children’s Civil Organizations Rada. A leader of the campaign For Protection of Freedom of Conscience and Confession in Belarus. A member of the organizing committee of the Belarusian Christian Democracy Party, Chair of its Minsk branch.

A presidential candidate at the presidential election of 2010. Was injured by the riot police during the protest action of 19 December (his head was slashed with a truncheon). Detained during the dispersal of the action and put in the pre-trial prison of the KGB. Received charges under Article 293 of the Criminal Code. On 31 December was released under a written undertaking not to leave Belarus. On 20 May, Minsk Frunzenski District Court sentenced Vital Rymasheuski to 2 years of suspended sentence.

Andrei Sannikov

Born on 8 March 1954 in Minsk. Studied at School #42, then in Minsk State Institute of Foreign Languages. In 1989, Sannikau graduated from the Diplomatic Academy of the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Moscow. Fluent in four foreign languages. Worked in the Foreign Countries Friendship Society, then in the UN secretariat in New York. In 1993-1995 he was advisor at Belarus’ mission to Switzerland. In 1995-1996 he served as deputy Minister of foreign affairs of Belarus. In November 1996, on the eve of the controversial referendum that has severely limited democratic standards and the separation of powers in Belarus, Sannikau resigned from his post as a sign of protest. In November 1997 he became one of initiators of the civil initiative Charter’97 and became its international coordinator. In 1998 he created the Coordinating council of democratic forces of Belarus together with Henadz Karpenka. Andrei has organized numerous protest manifestations in Minsk, being repeatedly arrested, harassed and beaten. In 2008 he initiated the civil campaign European Belarus that declares Belarus’ joining European Union as its target. He was awarded the Bruno Kreisky International Award for human rights protection activities (2005). A presidential candidate in 2010. According to many ratings and independent surveys, he was one of the leaders of the election campaign. Andrei was badly beaten during the violent dispersal of the 19 December rally and together with his wife Iryna Khalip was subjected to a violent arrest on their way to hospital. Currently in custody in the KGB prison and charged with staging mass riots. As yet, nothing is known about his health.

His grandfather Kanstantsin Sannikau was a well-known actor and one of the founders of the Yanka Kupala National Theatre. His wife is a famous journalist Iryna Khalip, who received a supspended sentence for staging mass riots. She was first kept in KGB detention, then in house arrest until mid-May. The secret services tried to exert pressure on them by taking their 3-year-old son Danik. On 14 May Andrei Sannikav was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment in a high-security colony. NHC is worried for the health and safety of Sannikiv, as reports indicated he is under severe pressure, receives repeated threaths to his life and is denied adequate medical assistance. New address: IK-2. 213800, Babrujsk. Sikorskaha str, 1 Belarus.

Watch a mini-film about Andrei here.

FREED ON 14 APRIL 2012!

Pavel Seviarynets

Civil activist, member of the Belarusian Association of Journalists’ Council. Born on 30 December 1976 in Orsha. In 1994-1999 he worked in a number of independent media. In 1999-2003 Pavel was deputy chair of the Belarusian Popular Front Party. In 1999-2004 he was chair of the Young Front, now he is co-chair of the steering committee of the Belarusian Christian Democracy Party. During the 2010 presidential election, Pavel was activist of Vital Rymasheuski’s campaign team. Arrested on 20 December at home and put into the KGB pre-trial prison. In late December he was charged under Par. 1 and 2 Art. 293.The charges were changed in April and now faces the milder charges : Par. 1 art. 342 of the criminal code – ”organisation and preparation of activities that grossly violate public order, or actively participate in them». On 16 May Pavel was sentenced to 3 years of personal restraint, which means he is interned with forced labour.

Watch a mini-film about Pavel here.

RELEASED 19 OCTOBER 2013.

Vital Stazharau

A leader of the Young Democrats. Was repeatedly detained, fined and arrested for participation in opposition actions. In September 2008 monitored the parliamentary elections at polling station #456 of Staravilenskaya electoral constituency #105 in Minsk, where Anatol Liabedzka ran. He photographed the substitution of ballots. During the presidential elections 2010 he was a member of the electoral team of presidential candidate Yaraslau Ramanchuk. On 18 October he was detained at home and guarded to the Frunzenski District Police Department of Minsk. There he was interrogated by officers of the crime detention department concerning a series of arsons in Minsk. The UCP leader A.Liabedzka assessed it as “psychological pressurization with the aim to disrupt collection of signatures in support of the candidate”. After the 19 December elections, Vital was repeatedly invited to interrogations concerning the “mass riot” case. He left Belarus. On 30 April it became known that he became a suspect in the case.

* Pavel Syramalotau

Detained on 17 January 2011. On 18 May 2011 was sentenced to 7 years in high-security prison by the Babruisk District and City Court under part 2 of Article 339 (malignant hooliganism) and part 2 of Article 218 (especially large-scale defilement of property), after attempting to set fire to Babruisk KGB headquarters. The severe prison sentence was considered fair qualification grossly excessive. Pavel was released on 26 September 2012.

Siarhei Vazniak

Editor-in-chief of the Tovarishch newspaper, civil activist, member of the Belarusian Association of Journalists. One of the founders of the Party of Communists of Belarus, renamed to the Belarusian United Left Party «Fair World» in 2009. During the 2010 presidential election he was activist of Uladzimir Niakliayeu’s campaign team. Arrested on 20 December at his apartment and put in custody in the KGB pre-trial prison. In late December he was officially charged in a criminal case initiated by the preliminary investigation department of Minsk city department of internal affairs under Par. 1 and 2 Art. 293 of the Criminal Code (mass riot) and may be imprisoned for up to 15 years. On 29 December he was released on recognizance. On 30 March 2011 the charges to him were changed to Article 342, part 1 of the Criminal Code, “organization of actions that grossly violate the public order, or participation in them”.  On 20 May, Minsk Frunzenski District Court sentenced Siarhei Vazniak to 2 years of suspended sentence.

Aliaksandr Atroshchankau

Born on 22 March, 1981 in Minsk. Former student of the Foreign Relations Faculty of the BelarState University, expelled for political activities with Aliaksandr Kazulin as rector. In 2001-2006 he was a member of “Zubr,» taking part in its events, repeatedly detained by the police and unknown persons. In 2000, during the Freedom Day rally (when dozens of journalists were arrested by the riot police), he was seized by unknown persons in masks, put into a police car, then into a police bus and released 40 minutes later, after being threatened to be escorted for execution. He was eventually thrown out of the car 15 kms outside the city. Former press-secretary of the “European Belarus” civil campaign. In the 2010 election he was press-secretary of Andrei Sannikau’s headquarters. Detained on 20 January at his apartment. Put into the KGB pre-trial prison and charged under Art. 293. His trial is due on 1 March at Minsk Frunzenski Court. On 2 March, he was convicted to four years of hard labour work. On 5 April, Minsk City Court considered the appeal against the verdict to Aliaksandr Atroshchankau. A board of judges presided by Valery Kamisarau upheld the verdict by Minsk Frunzenski District Court of 2 March.  Aliaksandr may be reached by mail on the following address: Atroshchankau Aliaksandr Siarheyevich, 2113000, Vitsebsk region, Vitsebsk district, Vits, corrective colony #3. Belarus.

RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2011.

Dzmitry Bulanau

26 years old. Suffers from a number of chronic diseases, including rheumatism, dangerous allergic reactions; his life is currently menaced.

Born on 25 August 1984 in Minsk. Graduate of a medical college, he worked in a hospital, has profound interest in music. He has never been engaged in politics. Detained and beaten up (head injury) during the dispersal of the 19 December peaceful protest. Sentenced to 10 days of arrest. On 12 January, he was detained again for refusing to turn up for interrogation without an official summons. Dzmitry was declared to be a suspect in the mass riot criminal case and detained for 3 days. He was later transferred to Minsk pre-trial prison #1 in Valadarski Street. On 26 May was sentenced to 3 years in a high-security colony by the Leninski District Court of Minsk.

Please write to: 213105, Mahiliou, Slauharad shasha, Veina penal colony № 15. Belarus. RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2011.

Dzmitry Daronin

Dzmitry Daronin, 28, resides in Minsk, employee of the Minsk Automobile Plant. Not affiliated with any political movement. Detained on 14 March and imprisoned in Minsk Akrestsin Street detention center. Officially charged under Art. 293 of the CC on 22 March. Was kept in the pre-trial prison in Valadarski Street. On 12 May was sentenced to 3.5 years of imprisonment.

RELEASED 31 AUGUST.

Anton Davydzenka

Born on 9 November 1990 in Minsk. Former student of Minsk Aviation College. Detained on 19 December 2010 and sentenced to 10 days of arrest. Later arrested as a suspect for two days. Released on 31 December.

Dzmitry Drozd

Born on 26 March 1973 in the village of Drazdy (which became a part of Minsk in 1976). His ancestors lived in the village for about a century. In 1992, Drozd graduated from Minsk Technological School as a specialist in phototechnique. In 2005, he graduated from the historical faculty of Belarusian State University as a specialist in museum management and protection of historical and cultural heritage. Worked as a photographer, was kin on science, did research in historical archive. He didn’t deal with politics. In 2010, he published a great work, Landlords of the Minsk province in 1861-1900. He was also working on another book, dedicated to the history of photography and the fates of 20th century photographers.

Was a member of the electoral team of Andrei Sannikov during the presidential election. Served 10-day arrest for participation in the 19 December action. On 1 February 2011, he was detained and put in the pre-trial prison in Valadarski Street as an accused under Article 293, part 2 of the Criminal Code.On 5 May 2011 he was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment.

Drozd was amnestied on 13 August 2011.

Aleh Hnedchyk

Born in 1986. In 2003-2005, he was repeatedly arrested and convicted for his activities as member of the Young Front youth movement. In 2006, Aleh was sentenced to 12 days of arrest for involvement in the post-election protest in Minsk. Detained on 6 January 2011 as a suspect in the mass riot case. Released on 9 January. On 25 March, officially charged with participation in the mass riot. Was kept in custody in the pre-trial prison in Valadarski Street. On 14 May was sentenced to 3.5 years of imprisonment.   Address: 213004, Mahiliou region, Shklou penal colony № 17, Belarus.

RELEASED 31 AUGUST.

Artsiom Hrybkou

Born on 6 January 1989 in the village of Savashy of the Karelichy district of the Hrodna region. Finished secondary school in the village of Paluzzha. He learned well, wrote funny poems and scenarios for school feasts (he paid interest to them even after finishing the school). He also studied in the Minsk College of Light Industry. Always paid a great interest to theatric plays, literature and art. He returned home and finished a building vocational school in Karelichy. As far as it was difficult to find a job in Karelichy, he moved to Minsk, where he worked as a loader and pressman. He helped his relatives, especially in upbringing his little sister…

On 19 December, after work, he came to the Nezalezhnasts Square and joined the demonstrators. Was detained near St.Symon and Alena Church and served 10-day arrest for participation in the protest rally. On 12 January he was detained again and charged with participation in mass riot. Was kept in custody in the pre-trial prison in Valadarski Street. On 26 May 2011 was sentenced to 4 years of imprisonment by the Leninski District Court of Minskand served in 213800, Mahiliou region, Babruisk, Sikorski St., 1 penal colony № 2, Belarus.

On 13 August 2011 Artsiom was amnestied.

Siarhei Kazakou

Born on 12 February 1992 in Leninogorsk, Russia. Later moved to Minsk with his mother. Activist for the European Belarus civil campaign. Detained on 27 January as a suspect in the mass riot case. Then charged under Art. 293. Was in custody in Minsk pre-trial prison #1 in Valadarski Street. On 12 May 2011 was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment.

Siarhei Kazakou was amnestied on 13 August 2011.

Uladzimir Khamichenka

Born on 1986. Educated at boarding school in the town of Rudzensk, Minsk region. Graduate of Slutsk agricultural college. Not affiliated with any political movements. Repeatedly convicted of administrative offences and twice convicted of criminal offences. On 16 December 2010, he was freed on parole. Detained on 19 December and sentenced to 15 days of arrest. Currently in custody in Minsk pre-trial prison in Valadarski Street. Was given charges under Par. 2 Art. 293 of the Criminal Code (“participation in mass riot”). Was kept in custody in the pre-trial prison in Valadarski Street in Minsk. On 5 May was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment.

Uladzimir was amnestied on 13 August 2011.

Aliaksandr Klaskouski

Born on 26 September 1978. Finished Minsk school #55 and entered the Faculty of Journalism of Belarusian State University, later received a higher education in law. In 1999, he returned from military service and married a girl from the town of Bialynichy, Mahiliou region. They have three children. To Aliaksandr and his wife Natallia, their family is the supreme value. According to Natallia, Aliaksandr is a very delicate and responsible husband. In 1999, he got employed as a road police inspector at Minsk Leninski road police department. Aliaksandr was not a regular policeman, he usually spoke Belarusian, tried to draw up reports in the native language and brought the Narodnaya wanted, Nasha niva and other independent periodicals to work. During his military service, he arrested armed car thieves and received a state prize for that. Apart from that, he took first places in sports competitions. However, he was fired from his job in 2005. Aliaksandr was detained on 21 December 2010 at his apartment and put in custody at the KGB pre-trial prison.On 26 May 2011 Aliaksandr Klaskouski was sentenced to 5 years in a high-security colony by the Leninski District Court of Minsk.

Address: 213 004, Mahiliou region, Shklou penal colony № 17, Belarus. RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2011.

Uladzimir Kobets

Born on 7 November, 1971 in the town of Slonim. In 1989, he graduated from the Belarusian State University, department of Geography. Member of the Belarusian Geography Society. Received two diplomas of the Sweden-based Uppsala University distance courses – “The Human Population of the Baltic States” and “The Environment of the Baltic Sea Area.» Former employer of the Minsk Regional Institute of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (since 1999). In 2000, he graduated from the Academy of Public Administration under the aegis of the President of the Republic of Belarus with a manager’s degree. The same year he left civil service and became one of the founders of the “Zubr” opposition movement. Winner of the Slovakian MFA’s medal “For the Personal Contribution to the Development of Democracy and Civil Society.» Participant of the first Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum in Brussels in 2009. Campaign chief of Andrei Sannikau’s team. Detained by the KGB agents on 21 December 2010. Charged under Par. 1 and 2 Art. 293 of the Criminal Code (“mass riot”). On 27 January, he was released on recognizance. Married, has two children: a 15-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son.

Aleh Korban

Born on 4 February 1985. A member of the National Committee of the United Civil Party. Deputy Chair of the Minsk city organization of the United Civil Party. Chair of the Minsk city organization of the Yound Democrats, the UCP youth wing.

In 2007, being a member of the Young Front, was fined within the framework of a criminal case instigated for “activities on behalf of unregistered organization.» During the presidential election he was an active participant of the electoral campaign of Yaraslau Ramanchuk. Detained on the night of 19-20 December 2010, after the protest action in central Minsk. Received charges under Article 293, part 1 and 2 of the Criminal Code, “organizing and participation in mass riot.» He was kept in the pre-trial prison of the KGB till 7 January, then was released under a written recognizance not to leave Minsk. Was repeatedly detained on 31 January in Minsk, interrogated at the KGB for about two hours and then let go.

Aliaksandr Kviatkevich

Born on 4 February 1987 in a family of workers. He has helped his mother in her work and household since childhood. Kviatkevich finished secondary school #168, and then a vocational school, where he received the qualification of a joiner and machine operator. He worked at a plant, producing compressors for cars. Is interested in engineering, played football.

He came to the square on occasion to see the development of the events. He was detained and served 12-day arrest for participation in the 19 December action. On 4 December he was detained and placed in the pre-trial prison of the KGB. Received charges under Article 293 of the Criminal Code, part 1 and 2, “mass riot”. On 26 May 2011 he was sentenced to 3.5 years in a high-security colony by the Leninski District Court of Minsk.  He served at Brest region, Ivatsevichy, «Vouchya nory«, penal colony № 22, Belarus.

On 13 August, 2011,  Aliaksandr was amnestied and released.

Mikita Likhavid

Born on 27 May 1990 in Minsk. Former student of the Faculty of Law at Minsk Institute of Management. His studies were suspended after the 19 December events. Activist of the For Freedom movement. Detained on 19 December in Nezalezhnastsi Square and sentenced to 15 days of arrest. However, the verdict was revoked on 28 January. Mikita faces charges for involvement in the 19 December mass riot and is currently in custody at Zhodzina pre-trial prison. On 28 March Mikita was convicted to 3.5 years’ imprisonment. Went on a hunger-strike of protest against the unfair verdict. Mikita also rebels by refusing to take part in the prison tasks, claiming consistently his innosense. For this, he has been forced to spend several periods in solitary confinement.

Write Mikita to: 211440, Vitsebsk region, Navapolatsk, Tekhnichnaya St., 8 penal colony № 10, Belarus.

 RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2011.

Uladzimir Loban

Born on 16 January 1978 in the town of Khoiniki, Homel region. After the Chernobyl disaster, his family moved to Vitsebsk region. Graduate of Belarusian State Technology University. Not affiliated with any political movement.

Detained during the dispersal of the 19 December rally and sentenced to 10 days of arrest. Later detained as a suspect in the mass riot criminal case. Charged under Art. 293. Was kept in the pre-trial prison in Valadarski Street, being deprived of an opportunity to meet with his counsel for over a month. On 12 May 2011 was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment.

Address: 213004, Mahiliou region., Shklou district, Maladziozhny penal colony № 17, Belarus. RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2011.

Aliaksandr Malchanau

Born on 22 June 1988 in Barysau. Finished School #22. Former member of the Zubr youth opposition movement. His mother was reportedly dismissed from work for her son’s political activity. Aliaksandr had to become a house painter, then entered Minsk International Humanities and Economics Institute. His mother is retired now. She still does not know if her son has been expelled from the Institute or not.

Aliaksandr was detained on 6 January in Barysau. He was charged with participation in the mass riots. He is currently in custody in the KGB pre-trial prison. He was sentencted to three years in prison on March 2. On 5 April, Minsk City Court considered the appeal against the verdict to Aliaksandr Malchanau. A board of judges presided by Valery Kamisarau upheld the verdict by Minsk Frunzenski District Court of 2 March.

Aliaksandr may be written to in prison at the following address: Malchanau Aliaksandr Valer’yevich, 213105, Mahiliou, Slauharadskaye highway, Veina, corrective colony #15, Belarus.

RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2011.

Fiodar Mirzayanau

Born on 9 December 1990 in the town of Baranavichy in the Brest region. Finished a gymnasium. During his study there he was an active participant of educational contests in history, computer science and geography that were held in the town, the region and the country. In 2008 he entered the faculty of management at Belarusian State Economic University.

During his study there he paid interest to models of economic development of the country. He also took part in a scientific-practical student conference. Fiodar is kin on tourism, bicycle sport and literature. One of his favorite writers is Lev Gumilyov.

Following the protest rally of 19 December he served 15-day arrest in the pre-trial prison in Zhodzina. On 25 January 2011 he was given charges under Article 293, part1 and 2 of the Criminal Code, “mass riot”. Was kept in custody in the pre-trial prison in Valadarski Street in Minsk. On 14 May 2011 was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment.

Address: 225295, Brest region, Ivatsevichy, «Vouchya nory”, Belarus. RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2011.

Leanid Navitski

Born on 21 March 1973 in the town of Barysau. Graduate of the Physical Culture Academy. Former activist of the “Zubr” youth opposition movement. Currently, activist of the “European Belarus” civil campaign. Repeatedly detained, fined and arrested by the police for his political activity.

During the 2010 presidential election, Leanid Navitski was activist of Andrei Sannikau’s campaign team and his personal bodyguard. Detained on 19 December together with Andrei Sannikau and Iryna Khalip, sentenced to 15 days of administrative arrest. Charged under Par. 1 and 2 Art. 293 of the Criminal Code. Currently abroad.

Dzmitry Novik

Born on 16 September 1981 in Baranavichy. Finished School #13, then studied in Minsk Physical Culture Academy and eventually was called up to the army. He has a mother and a grand-mother. Dzmitry used to work as a security guard at a restaurant and later in the security office of the United Arab Emirates’ embassy.

Aliaksandr has always been keen on sports, paying little attention to politics. Detained on 23 December 2010 in Baranavichy as a suspect in the mass riot criminal case. ON 30 December he was officially charged under Par. 2 Art. 293. Currently in custody in the KGB pre-trial prison. Convicted to 3.5 years imprisonment on 2 March.On 5 April, Minsk City Court considered the appeal against the verdict to Dzmitry Novik. A board of judges presided by Valery Kamisarau upheld the verdict by Minsk Frunzenski District Court of 2 March.

Dzmitry may be written to in the colony on the following address:  Novik Dzmitry Leanidavich, 213004 Mahiliou region, Shklou, corrective colony #17, brigade 141, Belarus. RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2011.

Vasil Parfiankou

Born on 30 August 1983 in Minsk. Studies at School #163, then worked as a car mechanic in Minsk bus depot #7. Single. Vasil is famous for his activities for the protection of the Kurapaty memorial in 2002, when the authorities were trying to pull down the crosses during repairs on the city belt highway. Independent media reported an arson of the activists’ campsite by unknown persons, when Vasil rescued a girl and a boy. During another attack on the activists, Vasil was injured and his arm was broken. He was member of the Belarusian Party of Freedom, participated in joint events with the Young Front and Zubr. Repeatedly detained and convicted for his civil activity. During the 2010 presidential election, Vasil collaborated with the Tell the Truth campaign, working as an activist of Uladzimir Niakliayeu’s campaign team, gathering signatures and canvassing for the candidate. He participated in the 19 December post-election demonstration. There were reports claiming that Vasil had both of his arms broken. He was detained on 4 January together with his friend Aleh Hnedchyk. The latter was released three days later. Vasil was put in Minsk pre-trial prison in Valadarski Street. He was the first to stand trial in the 19 December case. On 17 February Minsk Frunzenski Court sentenced him to 4 years of imprisonment in a high-security penal colony.

Vasil served in Vitsebsk region, Orsha, Lenin Street 195a, corrective colony #8, Belarus. On 13 August 2011 he was amnestied and released.

Andrei Pratasenia

Born on 12 December 1981. Graduate of Belarusian State University. Programmer. Andrei has been involved in charity projects.

Joined the United Civic Party in November 2010. Worked as volunteer in Yaraslau Ramanchuk’s campaign team. Participated in the 19 December protest, but managed to leave without arrest. Detained on 9 February 2011 under circumstances yet unclear. On the same day, his apartment was searched. Charged under Par. 2 Art. 293. Was kept in custody in the KGB pre-trial prison. On 5 February was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment.

Address: 213800, Mahiliou region, Babruisk, Sikorski St., 1 penal colony № 2, unit 7, Belarus.

RELEASED 31 AUGUST.

Yauhen Sakret

Born on 3 October 1966 in Minsk. Graduate of the Belarusian State Technology University. In the 2010 presidential election, he was activist of Andrei Sannikau’s campaign team. Detained on 19 December 2010 and sentenced to 10 days of arrest. Detained again on 17 January 2011. Three days later his residence was searched. Currently in custody in Minsk pre-trial prison in Valadarski Street. Faces charges under Par. 2 Art. 293 of the Criminal Code (“participation in mass riot”). Was kept in custody in the pre-trial prison in Valadarski Street in Minsk. On 12 May was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment.

Address: 213105, Mahiliou, Slauharad shasha, Veina penal colony № 15, Belarus

Sekret was amnestied on 13 August 2011

Dzmitry Uss

Born in 1971 in Minsk. Graduated from the juridical faculty of Hrodna State University. Non-partisan. Married with a son.  Worked at the Integral plant in Minsk, then – as a construction worker. Has headed the Trivium publishing house since 1992. Was a member of the Minsk City Council in 1999-2003. His candidacy wasn’t registered at the elections of 2003 and 2007. In 2010 he participated in the election to the local councils, but lost, getting 33% of votes.

A presidential candidate at the 2010 election.Detained in the night of 19-20 December in Minsk, after the protest action. Kept at the pre-trial prison of the KGB. On 20 December was released under a written undertaking not to leave. On 19 March was given charges under Article 293, part 1, “participation in mass riot”. Stated about pressure from the side of the investigators with the aim to make him testify against his friend Mikola Statkevich, another presidential candidate. On 26 May the Leninski District Court of Minsk sentenced him to 5.5 years in high-security colony.

Dzmitry Uss was released on October 1, 2011.

Ales Vasileuski

Born on 27 October 1985 in Minsk. Former student of the Belarusian State Polytechnic University. Expelled from studies for participation in the 2006 post-election protest. Former activist of the Young Front and the Belarusian Party of Freedom. Repeatedly convicted for participation in opposition events, including a 15-day arrest for the 19 December 2010 rally. During his imprisonment in Zhodzina detention center, he was questioned in the mass riot case. After his release, Ales was detained by the KGB and arrested for two days. After an interrogation, he was released and left Belarus.

Ilya Vasilevich

Youngest person involved in the case. Born on 6 August 1991 in Baranavichy. Former student of Minsk Polytechnic College. Served 10 days of arrest for participation in the 19 December protest. Expelled from College. Detained by the KGB as a suspect in the case and taken to Akrestsin Street detention center, later transferred to Minsk pre-trial prison #1 in Valadarski Street. On 14 May he was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment.

Address: 220030, Minsk, Valadarski St. 2, detention center #1. RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2011.

Pavel Vinahradau

Born on 24 April 1988 in Minsk. Graduate of Technical Lyceum #4. Former student of Minsk Pedagogical University. Repeatedly detained by the police for his political activity. Former activist of the European Belarus campaign. In 2007 he was sentenced to 5 days of arrest. In 2008 Pavel was one of the defendants in the “case of 14” and was sentenced to 2 years of supervised release. Included in the amnesty a year later.

Activist of the Tell the Truth campaign since summer 2010. Pavel was one of the most active members of Uladzimir Niakliayeu’s campaign team. Arrested on 5 January 2011 and charged under Par. 1 and 2 Art. 293 of the Criminal Code. His apartment was illegally searched. Currently in custody in Minsk pre-trial prison #1 in Valadarski Street. On 5 May was sentenced to 4 years of imprisonment.

Address: 225295, Brest region, Ivatsevichy, «Vouchya nory«, P/O 20 penal colony № 22, Belarus. RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2011.

Uladzimir Yaromenak

Born in the town of Miyory. Student of Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics. Member of the Young Front movement. Participated in the 19 December events. Detained the following day during a picket of solidarity. Sentenced to 15 days of arrest. After release, he was summoned as a witness and sentenced to 7 more days of arrest. On 28 January, arrested again as a suspect in the mass riot case. Was kept in custody in the KGB pre-trial prison. Charged under Par. 1 and 2 Art. 293.On 14 May 2011, he was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment.

On 13 August he was amnestied and released from prison.