Larysa Shchyrakova, a political prisoner from Belarus, was released in September 2023 as part of a deal involving the easing of sanctions negotiated between Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and then-U.S. President Donald Trump. Shchyrakova had been imprisoned for three years on charges of “extremism” and “discrediting” Belarus. During her time in custody, she missed significant family events, including her mother’s funeral. Upon her release, she and 51 other prisoners were transported from Belarus to Lithuania, but she left behind her son, home, and belongings, facing the uncertainty of being undocumented and at risk if she returned.
Another released prisoner, Mikola Statkevich, a veteran opposition figure, chose not to cross into Lithuania and was reportedly returned to jail. Mikalai Dziadok, a 37-year-old activist with a history of harsh treatment in prison, recounted experiences of being placed in solitary confinement and subjected to psychological torment. He, along with Shchyrakova, expressed concerns regarding the psychological conditions imposed by authorities as a way to intimidate political prisoners.
Authorities in Belarus reportedly label political prisoners with colored tags, denoting their status and subjecting them to more severe treatment. Allegations have arisen about the use of solitary confinement as a punitive measure for minor infractions, reflecting a broader pattern of abuse within the prison system.
The September releases followed other pardons earlier in the year, including that of Sergei Tikhanovsky, the husband of presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. Although the U.S. lifted certain sanctions in connection to the prisoner release, experts suggest there has been no substantial shift in political conditions in Belarus. Human rights organizations estimate that around 1,220 political prisoners remain incarcerated under various allegations.
Shchyrakova is now adjusting to life in Lithuania, supported by the Belarusian community, and has recently reunited with her son.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gkwrv3279o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss