Belarusian prisoner mutilates himself to evade authorities

In Belarus, recent reports have highlighted severe human rights abuses in the country’s prisons. These alarming accounts follow a series of political prisoner releases that were facilitated by the United States. Political tensions remain high as Belarus continues to face scrutiny over its treatment of those who oppose the government, especially with the influx of political prison releases being overshadowed by ongoing arrests. On September 12, 2025, Ilya Dubsky, a former prisoner, revealed the horrific lengths he went to in his efforts to evade retribution from authorities. He revealed that he had doused his arm in acid and used scissors to cut away the skin where he had a prominent tattoo. This tattoo symbolized a historical emblem of Belarus, and Dubsky took such drastic measures fearing imminent attack from security forces upon his release. As a result, he ended up suffering severe self-inflicted injuries, leading to a significant infection that required medical treatment. The prison staff were reportedly shocked at the extent of his injuries when he presented himself at the clinic. His gruesome story aligns with numerous similar testimonials depicting inhumane conditions in Belarusian prisons. Fellow ex-prisoner Henadz Fyadynich described nights filled with the haunting cries of other inmates, further emphasizing the terror faced by those incarcerated. Concurrently, the Belarusian government is under increasing pressure, with many political figures, including opposition leader Syarhei Tsikhanouski, having been jailed recently. The persistence of such actions raises ethical questions surrounding Belarus’s diplomatic relationships, particularly after several releases were highlighted as positive developments. Meanwhile, Dubsky expressed relief at being in Lithuania, aware that staying in Belarus could mean facing further state repression and harassment from security forces. The continuing cycle of arrests and mistreatment of dissenters reflects the brutal regime's determination to maintain control in the face of growing international condemnation.