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Statkevich, Byalyatski have same prison conditions as other prisoners, says deputy prosecutor general

Former presidential candidate Mikalay Statkevich and human rights activist Ales Byalyatski have the same prison conditions as other people held in correctional institutions, Alyaksey Stuk, deputy prosecutor general, told reporters in Minsk on February 14.

"They are held in prison conditions that correspond to the category of their crime and personality," he said.

According to the deputy prosecutor general, Mr. Statkevich was moved to Prison No. 4 in Mahilyow after committing a number of violations and receiving reprimands, which he did not contest.

Mr. Byalyatski also committed violations while serving his prison sentence, Mr. Stuk said. "We have no information whether he contested the punishment," he said.

Mr. Stuk acknowledged flaws in prison conditions in Belarus but said that they were minor and were not in violation of the Penal Code and other laws.

Both Messrs. Statkevich and Byalyatski have complained of pressure from the administrations of the correctional institutions where they are held. //BelaPAN