Political prisoner Areshka has completely lost his sight, but managed to write a few words to his grandchildren himself
Belarusian political prisoner and activist of the independent REP trade union Vatslau Areshka has become completely blind. This was reported by a relative of the political prisoner who has been informed about his condition in the penal colony.
“He used to be able to distinguish light from shadow, but now even that is gone. He does not say anything about how he is coping with it and avoids this difficult subject. Three days ago, he sent a letter congratulating his grandchildren on their birthdays. He even wrote a few words in his own hand. They were difficult to make out and we could barely read anything, but it is good that he is still trying,” Areshka’s relative said.
According to the source, the administration of Penal Colony No. 22, where Areshka is being held, offered to transfer him to hospital under escort, but he refused.
“As far as I know, he is afraid of going to hospital because he may not withstand the transfer. Everything that journalist Dzmitry Semchanka said about Vatslau is true,” the source added.
In September, journalist Dzmitry Semchanka, who served his sentence in the same penal colony in Ivatsevichy, spoke to Belsat TV about Areshka’s deteriorating condition.
“His retina became detached, and things kept getting worse and worse. We had to lead him when he needed to make a phone call; we literally had to guide him to the kitchen. He can walk, but he cannot see anything. At first, he could still see when the day was not too sunny and the sunlight was not blinding him, but in the dark he could not see at all. He could not even go to the toilet at night on his own. The suffering this man is going through is beyond words,” former political prisoner Dzmitry Semchanka said.
Vatslau Areshka is 71 years old. According to his relative, he also suffers from other health problems.
“He also has problems with his blood pressure, his back and his legs. His condition is getting worse,” the source said.
Source: svaboda.org
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