Belarus’ security officers arrest opposition activist on arrival at Minsk airport

April 13, Pozirk. Security officers at Minsk International Airport arrested opposition activist Alaksandar Šyško, Dissidentby reported.

“Alaksandar lived in Tbilisi after 2022. It is difficult to say why he returned to Belarus, possibly missed his home and loved ones,” Raman Kislak, a Tbilisi-based human rights activist, told Pozirk.

After opposition Freedom Day rallies in 2024, Belarus’ propaganda officers mentioned Šyško in their reports. “As far as I know, a criminal case was instituted in connection with Freedom Day rallies abroad. His apartment in Belarus was searched as part of this criminal case,” Kislak added.

Dissidentby reported that Šyško was mentioned by ONT presenter Ihar Tur, a key propaganda officer in Belarus’ system, as a Freedom Day rally participant.

Minsk threatened to prosecute all participants in opposition rallies abroad.

Security officers selectively interrogate Belarusians and foreigners on arrival at Minsk International Airport. Some of those interrogated are arrested.