Political prisoner Artsem Prakapenka denied a pardon

This is a direct consequence of West's overtures to Lukashenka.

On April 17 the activist Artsem Prakapenka informed his relatives he had been refused a pardon. He says the Commission's response does not specify a reason for denial.

Viasna HRC informs.

He was given the document only for examination.

Recently, the father of the political prisoner Anatol Prakapenka has said his son has been waiting for release for two months already. In February 2015 the political prisoner sent a petition for pardon to Lukashenka.

Earlier, Lukashenka has repeatedly promised in public to release political prisoners in case of writing of such a document.

It should be reminded that Artsem Prakapenka has been behind bars since January 17, 2011. He is sentenced to 7 years of imprisonment in a colony with a reinforced regime by Babruisk District Court and Bobruisk Court under Art. 339 para. 2 CC (malicious hooliganism ) and Art. 218 para. 3 CC (damage to property in especially big amount). It should be reminded that Artsem was convicted along with Jauhen Vaskovich and Pavel Syramalotau.

Now, the political prisoner is in the colony No. 15 in Mahileu.

Human rights activists note that political prisoners in jails and prisons have inhumane conditions. They are provoked by administration, incarcerated, deprived of parcels and visits, subject to severe punishments for minor violations. They are subject to constant pressure to write petitions for pardon.

The pressure has been intensified on the eve of the summit of Eastern Partnership in Riga in May.