Man sentenced to 15 years for alleged intention to perpetrate act of sabotage against Russian aggression

September 16, BPN. Siarhiej Kanavałaŭ, 50, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison and a fine of 9,600 rubels (some $3,800), the Viasna Human Rights Center reports.

Judge Jaŭhien Burunoŭ of the Viciebsk Regional Court found him guilty of terrorism and incitement to hatred. 

Kanavałaŭ, an employee with the Belarusian Railways, was arrested on March 6 for allegedly “preparing an act of terrorism.” According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he planned to disable railway traffic safety systems.

Human rights activists say that he was suspected of planning an act of sabotage in an attempt to delay trains transporting weapons for Russian troops in Ukraine.

On July 7, the KGB added Kanavałaŭ to the list of persons “involved in terrorist activities.”

Human rights activists say his persecution is politically motivated.