Belarusian PEN Center called on the authorities to release poet Uladzimir Nyaklyayeu, who was convicted on 1 November for allegedly calling for participation in unsanctioned protest from administrative detention.
The writers’ union drew attention to the fact that the court sentenced the poet under the article found at “Charter 97”, which uses quotes from the interview to Belsat.
According to the joint statement, application of such harsh measures against the 71-year-old Nyaklyayeu, who has serious health problems, is unjustified and threatens the poet’s health and life.
During his previous arrests on the eve of the Freedom Day protest on March 25 and after participation in the first March of Outraged Belarusian, the politician suffered a total of four hypertensive crises.
