More than 860 political prisoners are detained in Belarus.
78% confidence
Foreign AffairsBelarus
Omissions
The MEP did not cite any source for the figure. The number is tracked by the independent human rights organization Viasna, not by any official Belarusian government body, so definitions of 'political prisoner' may vary.
The claim does not mention that the figure of 'more than 860' represents a decline from a higher peak of over 1,000 political prisoners, following US-brokered releases of approximately 500 prisoners and a further 250 released in March 2026.
The MEP's claim is a lower bound ('more than 860'); the actual figure according to Viasna via Reuters (9 June 2026) is 'nearly 870', while other sources cite approximately 900.
Sources
SecondaryReutersHuman rights group Viasna says nearly 870 remain in jail.
SecondaryChatham HouseBelarus still holds some 900 political prisoners, according to the Belarusian human rights organization Viasna.
SecondaryBTI 2026 Belarus Country ReportAccording to the General Prosecutor's Office, more than 900 people [have been designated as political prisoners].