German Tycoon Exploits Belarusian Prisoners for Cheap Labor

Jörg Dornau, a member of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, has been implicated in exploiting political prisoners in Belarus for labor on his onion plantation, OOO Zybulka-Bel. This arrangement was made possible through a deal with a local Center for the Isolation of Offenders, allowing him to employ individuals convicted of political dissent. The situation arose in the context of a severe crackdown on opposition following the 2020 presidential election in Belarus, which was widely regarded as fraudulent. Reports indicate that prisoners are paid a meager €5 per day for their labor, which involves sorting onions under harsh conditions. One detainee described the lack of food and water during long working hours, highlighting the poor living conditions in the shelter provided for them. Despite the difficult circumstances, the labor was reportedly not forced, and the earnings were intended to support the maintenance of the detention center. Dornau has faced scrutiny for his business dealings in Belarus, particularly as the country has been under increasing international sanctions due to human rights violations. He was recently fined by the Saxony parliament for failing to disclose his involvement with Zybulka-Bel. The ongoing political repression in Belarus has resulted in over 1,300 political prisoners, drawing condemnation from human rights organizations and the European Union. This situation raises significant ethical concerns regarding the use of political prisoners as cheap labor and the complicity of foreign businesses in such practices. The exploitation of these individuals not only reflects the dire human rights situation in Belarus but also highlights the need for accountability among international actors engaging with repressive regimes.