Journalist Iljaš on trial in Minsk

February 21, Pozirk. The trial of journalist Ihar Iljaš is scheduled to open today at the Minsk City Court.

Judge Siarhiej Kacar, notorious for verdicts in politically-motivated cases, will preside over the proceedings that are open to the public.

Charges against the journalist include discrediting Belarus and facilitating extremism. He would face up to six years in prison if convicted.

Iljaš was arrested in late October 2024 over interviews for media labeled by the government as extremist. Pro-government Telegram channels claimed he collected information for foreign intelligence services, citing his comments to Ukrainian media outlets.

His wife, journalist Kaciaryna Andrejeva, has been held behind bars since November 2020, after being arrested while covering an opposition protest. Andrejeva was later charged with high treason and given eight years in prison.

Rights groups consider the persecution of Andrejeva and Iljaš to be politically motivated.

The Belarusian government has equated journalism with extremism and prosecutes individuals for giving interviews to independent media outlets labeled “extremist” groups.

Those serving prison sentences in connection with interviews include historian Ihar Mielnikaŭ, academic Natalla Dulina and military expert Jahor Lebiadok.

Also read: Journalist Ihar Iljaš declared political prisoner