Viktor Babaryko, a prominent Belarusian opposition figure, has been seen in images for the first time since his detention over 630 days ago. His team reports a significant deterioration in his health and emphasizes the emotional toll of his imprisonment.
Viktor Babaryko: First Images Emerge of Imprisoned Belarusian Opposition Leader After Long Silence
Viktor Babaryko: First Images Emerge of Imprisoned Belarusian Opposition Leader After Long Silence
The images of Viktor Babaryko come amid growing concerns about the treatment of political prisoners in Belarus as the next presidential election approaches.
Viktor Babaryko, the detained Belarusian opposition leader, has appeared in images for the first time in over 630 days, according to his political team who expressed relief with the phrase "Babaryko is alive!" Arrested in 2020 while attempting to challenge President Alexander Lukashenko, Babaryko has been held without communication, a situation described by his associates as "torturous".
Recent footage shows him sending greetings to family, alongside three photographs, one depicting him writing a letter. His appearance reveals noticeable weight loss, raising concerns about his health. Babaryko's team has described his time without contact as punishing, highlighting the psychological strain on both him and his loved ones.
High-profile political prisoners in Belarus, including Maria Kolesnikova, who was part of Babaryko's campaign before his arrest, also remain isolated. Although an earlier video of Kolesnikova surfaced during a rare family visit, there has been no contact since. The images were released by Roman Protasevich, a co-founder of the opposition Telegram channel Nexta, who returned to public life after his own release from detention following a controversial apology to the authorities.
In Protasevich's video, he claims that Babaryko appeared cheerful during their conversation, although Babaryko was not able to speak for himself. The emergence of these images occurs in the lead-up to Belarus’s presidential election on January 26, which is already generating skepticism due to the absence of genuine opposition candidates.
There are mounting reports suggesting that political prisoners like Babaryko face pressure to seek pardons from Lukashenko, possibly leading to their temporary release. Critics believe the timing of Babaryko’s photos may serve as a warning to those harboring dissent against the regime, reinforcing the risks associated with political activism.
As of now, the human rights group Viasna identifies 1,258 political prisoners still detained in Belarus, with the whereabouts of many high-profile activists like Sergei Tikhanovsky remaining unknown. Meanwhile, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, leader of the opposition and Tikhanovsky's wife, has condemned the forthcoming election as a "sham," asserting that it is designed to solidify Lukashenko's control over the country rather than offer a fair democratic process.
