Front Line Defenders concerned about extension of detention for Nasta Loika

The organization points out in their statement that on 22 September 2022, the Frunzenski District Court of Minsk sentenced human rights defender Nasta Loika to another 15 days administrative arrest on “petty hooliganism” charges, a violation under Article 19.1 of the Code of Administrative Offences. On 21 September 2022, her colleagues reported that she was not released from detention. On 7 September 2022, Nasta Loika was already sentenced to 15 days of administrative arrest on the same charges.

Nasta Loika is a prominent Belarusian human rights defender working in the field of human rights education. She also addresess repressive “anti-extremist” laws, and advocates for the protection of the migrants and stateless people rights in Belarus. In the summer of 2021, Belarusian authorities shut down Human Constanta, the organisation Nasta Loika used to work with, which promoted public interests and joint actions in response to modern challenges in the field of human rights, as part of an orchestrated attack against the civil society in the country.

The activist was not present in court on September 22, and she also did not have access to her lawyer, as the court denied the motion to invite Nasta Loika’s attorney. The only person who was invited to be present during the hearing was a law enforcement officer. According to his testimony, the law enforcement officers were informed about Nasta Loika’s participation in public protests and they needed to question her about her involvement. When the human rights defender was released, the police officers arrested and brought her to the Frunzenski District Police Precinct. The law enforcement officer stated that Nasta Loika behaved “erratically,” requested to stop the car, exited the vehicle, screamed, and knocked the folders out of the hands of the law enforcement officers. Nasta Loika denied any wrongdoings.

On 7 September 2022, Nasta Loika was sentenced to 15 days of administrative arrest on “petty hooliganism” charges, a violation under Article 19.1 of the Code of Administrative Offences. The day before, Belarusian law enforcement officials arrested and detained her near the premises of the Minsk City Court as she was leaving a court hearing on the “Revolutionary Action” protest group. This concerned the sentencing of a group of individuals, including human rights defender Maria Rabkova who was sentenced to 15 years of prison, and human rights defender Andrei Chapiuk who was sentenced to 6 years of prison. Despite the fact that the court hearing was held in camera, people gathered outside to show them support.

Front Line Defenders is gravely concerned about the lack of information on the whereabouts of human rights defender Nasta Loika and calls upon the Belarusian authorities to immediately release her from detention. Front Line Defenders believes that the Nasta is being repeatedly targeted for her peaceful human rights work. Her earlier arrest is part of the increasing attacks on Belarus' human rights defenders and civil society by Belarusian authorities.