Political prisoner serving lengthy prison term to go on trial again

November 21, BPN. Andrei Podnebenniy, 33, sentenced to 15 years in prison on charges widely seen as politically-motivated, will go on trial again on November 25, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported.

The Homiel Regional Court will hear his case behind closed doors. Judge Rusłan Caruk will preside over the proceedings.

Authorities accuse Podnebenniy of promoting extremist activities, inciting hatred, and insulting public officials and Alaksandr Łukašenka.

In late June, authorities sentenced Podnebenniy to 15 years in prison, finding him guilty of similar offenses and terrorism. He must pay damages of over 16,000 rubels (about $6,645).

Prosecutors accused setting fire to a construction crane in September 2019 and puncturing 76 tires at a trolleybus depot in November 2021.

Russia-born Podnebenniy has lived in Belarus since the age of six. A father of two and a small business owner, Podnebenniy has been active in local politics in Homiel since 2019 and participated in 2020 protests.