In Belarus, ruler Alexander Lukashenko allowed images of imprisoned opposition figure Viktor Babariko to be made public a few weeks before his intended re-election.
The journalist Roman Protassewitsch published photos and a short video on his Telegram channel. They would show Babariko (61) in the visiting room of a prison camp.
The former bank manager was arrested in 2020 when he wanted to run against Lukashenko in the presidential elections. In 2021, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison for alleged money laundering. According to media reports, his family has had no contact with him for the past year and a half. She only heard about his condition from fellow prisoners who had been released.
Last November, Lukashenko also allowed a sign of life for jailed opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova. There was also information about former opposition blogger Protassewitsch, who is now cooperating with Belarusian authorities.
Lukashenko wants confirmation in office
Lukashenko has ruled the former Soviet republic through dictatorial means since 1994 and would like to be reconfirmed in office on January 26. Since the summer of 2024, he has released dozens of political prisoners in several waves. The previous election in 2020 was overshadowed by accusations of unprecedented manipulation and led to mass protests in the country, which is closely linked to Russia. Lukashenko had them crushed by force. There are still more than 1,000 political prisoners in Belarus.
Source: Krone
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