News on the topic: criminal prosecution
02.02.2021 First verdict in “Tsikhanouski case”: critical blogger Uladzimir Niaronski sentenced to 3 years in prison
The Lahojsk District Court has sentenced political prisoner Uladzimir Niaronski to a three-year imprisonment in a general-security penal colony, finding him guilty of calling to breach public order (Part 1 of Art 342 of the Criminal Code) and publicly insulting a government official (Art. 369).
01.02.2021 Workers sentenced to prison terms over political strike
Three employees of the government-owned BMZ steel works were found guilty of “breaching public order” (Part 1 of Art. 342 of the Criminal Code) during a strike demanding political change organized at the enterprise on August 17. Ihar Povarau, who was earlier called a political prisoner, has been sentenced to three years in prison, while Aliaksandr Babrou and Yauhen Hovar – to two and half years each.
01.02.2021 Former political prisoner Aleh Mazhou sentenced to three years of restricted freedom
The Lieninski District Court of Minsk sentenced today 26-year-old athlete Aleh Mazhou to three years of restricted freedom in an open penitentiary (so-called “khimiya”), finding him guilty of “group actions gravely breaching public order” (Part 1 of Art. 342 of the Criminal Code). The criminal case was condemned by Belarusian human rights defenders as politically motivated.
30.01.2021 Immediately release Viasna activist Tatsiana Lasitsa!
Joint statement of Belarusian human rights organizations
29.01.2021 Two political prisoners convicted in Minsk
Political prisoners Renata Smirnova and Artsiom Vinakurau were sentenced today to 2 and 3 years of restricted freedom. Both were released after the verdicts were pronounced.
29.01.2021 Human rights activist Leanid Sudalenka charged, remains in custody
Leanid Sudalenka, human rights activist and chairman of the Homieĺ branch of the Human Rights Center "Viasna", has been charged under Parts 1 and 2 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code (organization and preparation of actions grossly violating public order and financing such activities). He remains in custody in pre-trial detention center No. 3 in Homieĺ.
28.01.2021 Opposition activist Maksim Viniarski is political prisoner
Joint statement by the human rights organizations of Belarus
27.01.2021 31 new political prisoners. HRDs insist on retrials and release of convicts
Joint statement of the Belarusian human rights community
22.01.2021 5 more arrested protesters called political prisoners
Joint statement of Belarusian human rights organizations
22.01.2021 Political prisoner Dzmitry Kulakouski sentenced to 2 years of restricted freedom on defamation charges
Judge Tatsiana Pirozhnikava of the Maskoŭski District Court of Minsk sentenced today political prisoner Dzmitry Kulakouski to two years’ imprisonment in an open-type penal facility (so-called “khimiya”). He was found guilty of “publicly insulting an official in connection with the performance of his official duties” (Article 369 of the Criminal Code). Kulakouski was released from custody immediately after the verdict was announced, but will remain under travel restrictions pending appeal hearings.
22.01.2021 Political prisoner Valery Kalenchyts sentenced to three years of restricted freedom
Judge Alena Zhyvitsa of the Kastryčnicki District Court of Minsk sentenced today political prisoner Valery Kalenchyts to 3 years of restricted freedom in an open-type penal facility (so-called “khimiya”), finding him guilty under Article 342 of the Criminal Code. The convict was released in the courtroom to await appeal hearing.
22.01.2021 24 and 18 months in prison: court convicts political prisoners Safiya Malashevich and Tsikhan Kliukach
Political prisoners Safiya Malashevich and Tsikhan Kliukach were sentenced today to 2 years and 1 ½ years, respectively, in a general security penal colony. Judge Volha Niaborskaya of the Kastryčnicki District Court of Minsk found them guilty on all counts.
21.01.2021 Political prisoner Yury Savitski sentenced to 3 years in labor camp, released in courtroom pending appeal
The Kastryčnicki District Court of Minsk sentenced today Yury Savitski, member of Viktar Babaryka’s nomination group, to 3 years of restricted freedom in an open-type penal facility (so-called “khimiya”). Savitski was found guilty of “organization or active participation in group actions that grossly violate public order” (Art. 342 of the Criminal Code) for participating in a post-election protest on August 9. The convict was released in the courtroom to await appeal hearing.
21.01.2021 BHC and Viasna highlight violations in Viktar Babaryka case ahead of upcoming trial
On January 18, the media reported that a criminal case against political prisoner and former Belgazprombank CEO Viktar Babaryka, who has been in custody for eight months, had been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office and was soon expected to be heard at the Supreme Court.
21.01.2021 Civic Solidarity Platform calls for the release of Andrei Aliaksandrau
The undersigned organisations, members of the Civic Solidarity Platform, express their alarm at the arrest of our friend and colleague, journalist Andrei Aliaksandrau.
