Charter97 Belarus

Charter97 Belarus: Fears Grow Over Deteriorating Health of Imprisoned Journalist Andrei Aliaksandrau

Calls for urgent action as jailed reporter's condition worsens

Concern is mounting over the health of imprisoned Belarusian journalist Andrei Aliaksandrau, whose family has reported a significant deterioration in his condition. Aliaksandrau, who suffers from serious medical issues, is currently being held in a penal colony in the town of Shklou and has been denied proper medical care.

"He is not getting the medical attention he needs"

Aliaksandrau's wife, Iryna Khalip, has spoken out about the situation, stating that her husband is suffering from a chronic heart condition that requires constant medication and monitoring. However, she claims that the authorities are denying him access to the necessary treatment and are refusing to allow him to see a doctor.

Khalip has also raised concerns about Aliaksandrau's mental well-being, saying that he is being subjected to psychological pressure and isolation. She believes that the authorities are intentionally trying to break his spirit and force him to give up his journalistic work.

Calls for urgent action

Human rights groups and international organizations have condemned the Belarusian authorities' treatment of Aliaksandrau and have called for his immediate release. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged the Belarusian government to grant Aliaksandrau access to adequate medical care and to end its harassment of independent journalists.

Amnesty International has also expressed concern over Aliaksandrau's health and has called on the Belarusian authorities to provide him with the necessary medical attention. The organization has also called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his imprisonment.

A chilling reminder of the suppression of free speech in Belarus

The deteriorating health of Andrei Aliaksandrau is a chilling reminder of the suppression of free speech and the persecution of journalists in Belarus. The authorities' actions against him are a clear attempt to silence critical voices and prevent the public from accessing independent information.

Aliaksandrau's case is just one of many examples of the Belarusian government's crackdown on dissent. In recent years, the country has seen a sharp decline in press freedom and a crackdown on independent media outlets.

Taking action to support journalists under attack

The international community must continue to condemn the Belarusian authorities' suppression of free speech and demand the release of Andrei Aliaksandrau and all other imprisoned journalists. We must also support independent journalists in Belarus and provide them with the resources they need to continue their important work.

We urge the Belarusian authorities to immediately release Andrei Aliaksandrau and to ensure that he receives the medical care he needs. We also call on the international community to continue to support independent journalists in Belarus and to pressure the government to end its crackdown on free speech.