The Health Of Political Prisoner And Journalist Igor Ilyash Has Deteriorated
- 18.07.2026, 15:01
The wife of a political prisoner is sounding the alarm.
Belarusian journalist and political prisoner Igor Ilyash has seen his health deteriorate after being transferred to Bobruisk Penal Colony No. 2 in late 2025. His wife, journalist Ekaterina Andreeva, told “Radio Svaboda” about this.
According to her, she is unable to correspond with her husband or speak with him by phone, but she maintains contact with sources whom she considers to be well-informed about Igor’s situation. According to their information, after being transferred to the penal colony, right from the start—even during quarantine—he was placed in solitary confinement (SHIZO) twice for 15 days each time, and was then sent there at least two more times. In total, Igor has already spent about 60 days in solitary confinement.
— At the Bobruisk prison, as I’ve been told, the solitary confinement cells are small and located in a semi-basement. This means the humidity is very high there, and there’s practically no room to move around. After being released from solitary confinement, Igor immediately began complaining of swelling: his legs and arms were swollen. He was then assigned to work processing rubber, such as car tires. This also had a very negative impact on his health—he developed problems with coordination, especially in his right arm. And when he last came out of solitary confinement, people noticed that he was limping. In addition, his vision deteriorated sharply due to his time in solitary confinement,” said Ekaterina Andreeva.
Another serious health consequence for Igor Ilyash, according to her, is severe weight loss.
Ekaterina attributes this to “poor nutrition in the prison” and the fact that, since Igor was labeled an “extremist,” he is allowed to buy food at the prison store only up to the amount of two base units (90 rubles) and only when he is not in solitary confinement.
In addition, Igor is barred from receiving food parcels from the outside, noted Ekaterina Andreeva.
At the same time, her husband’s mental state does not cause her great concern, as he is holding up well despite the situation.
“His health is what constantly causes me pain, but I know he’ll manage everything else. He’s in good spirits. He reads a lot, including his favorite historical literature.” “I know that going to the library is more important to him than going to the prison store,” said Ekaterina Andreeva about her husband, Igor Ilyash.
On July 18, Igor celebrates his birthday—he turns 38. This is the second time he has spent his birthday in prison.
On March 19 of this year, Lukashenko pardoned 250 political prisoners, 15 of whom, including journalist Ekaterina Andreeva, were transported to Lithuania. Their release was made possible following negotiations in Minsk led by John Cole, Special Envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ekaterina Andreeva hopes that as a result of such negotiations, her husband Igor, as well as other imprisoned journalists and all Belarusian political prisoners, will also be released.