Sacuk’s lengthy prison sentence in retaliation for uncovering corruption – BAJ

October 26, BPN. The eight-year prison sentence handed down on Siarhiej Sacuk, editor in chief of Yezhednevnik and one of the best investigative journalists in Belarus, is the authorities’ retaliation for exposed corruption, Barys Harecki, deputy chair of the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), told BPN.

Sacuk’s investigations have always focused on corruption and misappropriation of the public funds, Harecki said.

Authorities had already tried to prosecute Sacuk back in 2018 for his investigation on controversial Eupenta vaccine that led to the death of a child in Hancavičy, Brest region, he noted.

Sacuk’s trial opened on September 23 at the Minsk City Court. Authorities accused him of inciting hatred, abusing his power and taking bribes. Human rights groups declared him a political prisoner. On October 26, the court has sentenced him to eight years in prison.

BAJ demanded the immediate release of Sacuk, as well as 32 other media workers behind bars.