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Belarus Prisoners Face Brutal Winter Torture, Reports Reveal

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Former political prisoners in Belarus report brutal winter conditions in prisons, where guards use snow and freezing temperatures to torment inmates.
Leanid Sudalenko, a human rights activist, says he was forced to shovel snow with inadequate tools and no chance to warm up.
Darya Afanasyeva, who spent time in the only women's prison, says prisoners must carry snow away to avoid detection by administrators.

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Story summary

Former political prisoners in Belarus report brutal winter conditions in prisons, where guards use snow and freezing temperatures to torment inmates.
Leanid Sudalenko, a human rights activist, says he was forced to shovel snow with inadequate tools and no chance to warm up.
Darya Afanasyeva, who spent time in the only women's prison, says prisoners must carry snow away to avoid detection by administrators.