There are 845 political prisoners in Belarus, according to the Viasna Center.

Omissions

• The MEP states '845' as a precise figure, while the Viasna Center itself uses the formulation 'over 845', indicating the number is a floor rather than an exact count. As of late July 2026, the figure had already risen to 863.
• The claim does not specify the date to which the figure refers. The 845 figure was current around May 2026 (International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners, May 21). By the session date (June 17, 2026), the number may have already increased slightly.

Sources

• PrimaryViasna Human Rights Center (spring96.org)Today we mark the Day of Solidarity with political prisoners in Belarus. Over 845 people remain behind bars as repression continues.
• PrimaryViasna Human Rights Center — Political Prisoners RegisterAs of July 26 863 persons in Belarus are considered as political prisoners. Since the beginning of the 2020 presidential campaign, 4733 persons have been recognized as political prisoners.
• SecondaryThe Washington PostBelarus still has 845 political prisoners, including 22 journalists, according to the Viasna human rights center.