Geneva, A group of United Nations experts has called for the immediate release of Ryhor Kastusiou, a 66-year-old opposition politician in Belarus serving a 10-year sentence, citing concerns over his critical health condition and alleged ill-treatment in detention. Kastusiou, who is suffering from cancer, has reportedly not received adequate medical treatment, raising serious human rights concerns.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Kastusiou, a veteran leader of the Belarusian Popular Front (BNF) party, was detained in 2021 and subsequently diagnosed with cancer. However, his condition has worsened due to the failure of prison authorities to provide timely and appropriate medical care. This negligence, coupled with Kastusiou’s repeated placement in punitive confinement under inhumane conditions, has sparked international alarm over potential violations of his rights and dignity under international human rights law.

The UN experts emphasized that the lack of proper medical care and the refusal to disclose medical examination results to Kastusiou, his lawyer, and his family not only undermines his chance for an early release on medical grounds but may also constitute torture. They have urged the Belarusian government to reconsider Kastusiou’s sentence in light of his health and age, suggesting a pardon, remission of sentence, or an alternative form of deprivation of liberty that aligns with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-custodial Measures (Tokyo Rules).

This call to action highlights the broader issue of detainee treatment in Belarus, especially for those imprisoned on political grounds, and underscores the international community’s concern over the country’s adherence to human rights obligations.