Wishart becomes godparent to Belarusian political prisoner

Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart has become a godparent to Belarusian political prisoner Hanna Kurys. Hanna was arrested when she was 21 years old and sentenced in December 2024.

A student of modern languages she was previously arrested for several days for distributing so-called ‘extremist’ materials. She was later convicted of “Insulting the President” (Art.368), “Incitement to hatred” (Art. 130), “Misuse of state symbols” (Art. 370) and “Discrediting of Belarus” (Art. 369-1). In February 2025, her name was added to the list of ‘extremists’.

It is not known how many years Hanna will now have to spend in the women’s colony in Homiel. 

Ms Wishart said:

“I call for Hanna’s release, and the release of all Belarusian political prisoners. 

“Hanna Kurys is a young student and recognised by human rights organisations as unjustly imprisoned and only detained for political reasons. 

“Her young life should not be wasted in the overcrowded and inhumane conditions typical of Belarusian prisons.

“I support Hanna and her family and call for her release.”

More can be found on Libereco’s website: https://www.libereco.org/en/vier-neue-patenschaften-schottische-abgeordnete-zeigen-solidaritaet-mit-belarusischen-politischen-gefangenen/