Belarus, an Eastern European ally of Russia, arrested hundreds of people for their support of Ukraine amid Kyiv's ongoing war with Moscow, human rights activists said Wednesday.
A report by the Viasna human rights center found at least 1,671 Belarusians were detained for their anti-war stance or for expressing solidarity with their southern neighbors in Ukraine.
At least 200 of those detained have been given prison sentences from one to 25 years on charges of "extremism" and "conspiracy against the state," the report says.
The report also alleged that people were tortured, held in inhuman conditions and given fines. Some were subjected to forced psychiatric treatment, according to the report.
Ukrainians in Belarus Found Guilty of 'Extremism'
Ihor Kyzym, a Ukrainian diplomat who previously served as Kyiv's ambassador to Belarus, said that at least 12 Ukrainians in Belarus have been convicted on charges of "extremism" and purported links to Ukrainian security agencies. Those convicted were given prison time.
Kyzym said that a 16-year-old student, a Ukrainian official and people who have relatives in Belarus were among those sentenced.
Human rights activists say Belarus is holding roughly 1,300 political prisoners, many of whom are allegedly being denied adequate medical care and contact with their families.
Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned some political prisoners in an apparent signal that he's open to dialogue with the United States and the European Union (EU), which imposed sanctions a stance against Lukashenko's repressive regime.
On Wednesday, Lukashenko's office said that 32 political prisoners have been released, adding to the 146 who were pardoned since July. Those freed prisoners had health problems, wrote petitions for pardons and said they repented.
Belarus' Ties to Russia
Belarus shares borders with Ukraine to the south and Russia to the east.
Belarus and Ukraine have longstanding cultural and historic ties with many in southern Belarus having relatives across the southern border.
But, Lukashenko, who has been in power for over 30 years, has relied on Russia's subsidies and support.
Lukashenko allowed Russia to use his country's territory to invade Ukraine in February 2022 and has let Moscow deploy some of its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.
Alexander Lukashenko Seeks Seventh Term
Belarusian authorities have intensified their crackdown on dissent ahead of a January presidential election in which Lukashenko seeks a seventh term.
Belarus' Interior Ministry launched anti-riot drills Tuesday, signaling that the government won't tolerate any protests.
Massive protests erupted following the widely disputed 2020 election of Lukashenko. Authorities responded by arresting roughly 65,000 people.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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