Political prisoner and activist of the Belarusian Trade Union of Radioelectronic Industry (REP) Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk refused to undergo a psychiatric examination at the Republican Centre of Mental Health in Navinki.
After her renunciation of her Belarusian citizenship in protest against torture in Rechytska women's colony, she was sent to Navinki. However, just a few hours later, on 13 July 2023, she was sent back to the colony. Psychiatrists were unable to conduct the necessary examinations, as Palina refused to talk to them, take medication and take tests, the Human Rights Centre "Viasna" informs.
In addition, a new criminal case was opened against Palina under the article on malicious disobedience to the requirements of the prison administration. Her husband said that the case is being considered in a hurry, as her sentence expires on 6 August.
Recall that Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of using violence against police officers and insulting them, as well as insulting Aliaksandr Lukashenka. In April, she was sentenced to an additional year of imprisonment under Article 411 of the Criminal Code ("Malicious disobedience to the requirements of the administration of the penitentiary institution").
Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk is a well-known Belarusian activist, famous for her integrity. After the verdict, she expressed her rejection of the judicial system:
- I know you're a talking head. The chair you're sitting on is even more honest than you are, Mr Bregan. The sentences that are pronounced here are not based on the force of law, but on the force of lawlessness. All sentences are signed and distributed in advance. Therefore, due to the complete illegitimacy of all your so-called structures, all sentences, including mine, have no legal force, are not legitimate: I do not recognise them.
It also became known that another criminal case was brought against Palina under Article 411, which allows Lukashenka's regime to keep its opponents in prison for life, despite the original term of conviction.