On 11 September, 52 political prisoners were released in Belarus. Among them were two key figures of the independent trade union movement: Aliaksandr Yarashuk, Chair of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP), and Hennadz Fiadynich, former head of the Belarusian Radio and Electronics Industry Workers’ Union (REP).
Aliaksandr Yarashuk
The 73-year-old Yarashuk has led the BKDP, which unites four independent trade unions: the Free Trade Union of Belarus (SPB), the Free Metalworkers’ Union (SPM), the Belarusian Independent Trade Union (BNP), and the Trade Union REP.
On 19 April 2022, Yarashuk’s home and workplace were searched, after which he was detained and placed in a pre-trial detention center. Initially, he was charged under Article 342 of the Criminal Code (“group actions violating public order”), and later additionally under Article 361 (“calls for the imposition of sanctions”). In December 2022, the Minsk City Court sentenced him to four years in a general-regime colony. He subsequently served time in Prison No. 4 in Mahiliou, and later in Penal Colony No. 17 in Shklou.
Hennadz Fiadynich
Hennadz Fiadynich, former leader of the REP, was sentenced in 2023 to nine years in prison. He was convicted under three articles of the Criminal Code: Article 361 (“calls for actions against national security”), Article 361-1 (“establishment of an extremist organization”), and Article 130 (“incitement to hatred”).
Both trade union leaders are now in Vilnius, safe and secure.
The independent trade union movement in Belarus expressed hope that the release of Yarashuk and Fiadynich would mark the beginning of freedom for other trade union leaders and activists, many of whom remain imprisoned for defending workers’ rights. As of today, more than 20 trade union leaders and activists continue to be held behind bars.
