Brest-based journalist feared to be under criminal investigation

February 10, Pozirk. Brest-based journalist Aleh Supruniuk has not been answering phone calls and has not been seen online since January 22, said the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), citing his friends.

The journalist may be held in a pre-trial detention center on criminal charges as his name was not mentioned in local court schedules that list minor offense trials.

Three years ago, authorities searched Supruniuk’s home, seized his smartphone and tried him for sharing opposition content. A judge sentenced him to a fine.  

At least 41 media workers are held behind bars in Belarus, according to the BAJ.

Also read: Opposition leader: regime uses hostages to put pressure on western neighbors