Investigative reporter Ivašyn spends 15 days in punishment cell

February 24, Pozirk. Journalist Dzianis Ivašyn has been released from a punishment cell at Prison No 8 in Žodzina, Minsk region, after spending 15 days there, said a Telegram channel, monitoring his persecution.

Ivašyn reportedly did not complain of health issues. Prison authorities regularly place him in punishment cells, according to the Viasna Human Rights Center.

In September 2022, the journalist was given 13 years and one month in prison on charges of high treason and illegal handling of personal data. Rights groups consider him a political prisoner.

Ivašyn was a volunteer editor with Ukraine’s InfromNapalm and also contributed articles to Belarus’ independent weekly Novy Čas.

He investigated Russian meddling in Belarus, construction at a Soviet-era massacre site, and the controversial recruitment of former Ukrainian riot police officers by Belarus.

Following the journalist’s arrest in March 2021, the Committee for State Security accused him of spying for Ukraine and causing damage to Belarus’ national security.

At least 39 media workers are held behind bars in Belarus, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists.

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