Vatslau Areshka / svaboda.org
In a prison colony, political prisoner Vatslau Areshka has completely lost his sight. This was reported by Radio Svaboda, citing a relative of the independent REP trade union activist.
"Before, I could see light and shadow, now even that is gone. And how he is coping with it, he doesn't say anything, he avoids this difficult topic. Three days ago he sent a letter, congratulated his grandchildren on their birthdays. He even wrote a few words in his own hand, though illegibly, almost nothing could be read, but it's good that he is trying", the woman shared the details.
Vatslau Areshka is being held in the Ivatsevičy prison colony No. 22. The colony administration offered to transfer him by convoy to a hospital, but the political prisoner refused. According to the relative, he fears he may not survive the transfer.
Vatslau Areshka was detained in April 2022 and sentenced to 8 years in prison. He is now 71 years old.
Human rights defenders have included Vatslau Areshka on a list of 170 political prisoners who are particularly vulnerable due to their health condition, and are seeking his earliest possible release.
To follow important news, subscribe to the Euroradio channel on Telegram.
Every day we publish videos about life in Belarus on our YouTube channel. You can subscribe here