A Polish monk, Grzegorz G., has been recognized as a political prisoner by Belarusian human rights organizations, who claim his detention is motivated by politics.
Background and Detention
Belarusian human rights organizations announced on Tuesday that they have recognized 15 more individuals as political prisoners, including Polish monk Grzegorz G., who is accused of espionage by Belarusian authorities.
Grzegorz G., a 27-year-old member of the Carmelite Order in Krakow, was detained on September 1 by officers of the State Security Committee (KGB) in Lepel, Vitebsk Oblast, on suspicion of possessing classified documents related to the “Zapad-2025” military exercises.
Charges and Reactions
The human rights organizations, including the Human Rights Center “Viasna” and the Lithuanian-based Respect – Protect – Fulfill, stated that they see a political motive in each of these cases.
The Polish authorities, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have condemned Grzegorz G.’s detention as another provocation by the Lukashenko regime.
Calls for Action
The human rights organizations have appealed to the Belarusian authorities to release the detained and imprisoned individuals and to end political repression against citizens of Belarus.
