Grigory Kostusev, in custody since 2021, is the leader of the Belarusian Popular Front (BPF) party. UN experts called on the Belarusian authorities to release oppositionist Grigory Kostusev from prison Human rights
Independent UN experts on Monday expressed concern over reports of the critical health condition of Grigory Kostusev, a 66-year-old veteran of opposition activities in Belarus serving a 10-year sentence on charges of “conspiracy to seize power by unconstitutional means.”
“Failure to provide adequate medical care and treatment to people in critical condition in custody violates Belarus’ obligations under international human rights law,” UN experts said. “It could even amount to torture.”
Grigory Kostusev, in custody since 2021, is the leader of the Belarusian People’s Front (BPF), one of the oldest opposition parties, which was liquidated by the country’s Supreme Court on August 14, 2023.
It is reported that Kostusev was diagnosed with cancer shortly after his arrest and did not receive adequate medical care. Experts noted that prison services did not provide the results of the examination to the lawyer and family of the oppositionist in a timely manner, which is why they were unable to seek his release from custody for medical reasons.
By According to reports, despite deteriorating health, Kostusev was repeatedly transferred to a punishment cell (punishment cell) and a cell-type room (PKT). According to evidence received by UN experts, both the punishment cell and the PKT are known for inhumane conditions of detention.
The experts drew attention to the lack of adequate legal guarantees and effective remedies to prevent and challenge abuses of disciplinary measures by prison authorities.
They also emphasized that, despite their age and health conditions, Kostusev was reportedly repeatedly subjected to conditions of detention that were more harsh than those required by his sentence, and was denied the opportunity to challenge these conditions.
Experts called on Belarusian authorities to whether he should be pardoned, released from sentence or commuted to an alternative form of imprisonment in accordance with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-custodial Measures (Tokyo Rules).
The statement was signed by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus Anais Marin, the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons Claudia Mahler and a number of other UN experts.
Independent experts are appointed by the Human Rights Council. They are not UN staff and are independent of any government or organization. Experts do not receive a salary for their work.
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