Update on trials and politically-motivated persecution

January 18, BPN. New cases of politically-motivated persecution were documented in Belarus on January 17.

Criminal proceedings

A court in Homiel sentenced Alaksandr Puhač to three and a half years in prison for online comments, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported.

Authorities accused him of inciting hatred, insulting Alaksandr Łukašenka and public officials and threatening them with violence. A court also ordered damages against Puhač. Human rights groups consider him a political prisoner.

A court in Minsk sentenced Pavieł Ramienčyk to two and a half years of restricted freedom in home confinement over his participation in the 2020 protests, Viasna said.

The Minsk City Court opened proceedings against members of the opposition’s Coordinating Council without the defendants being present, BPN reported. Opposition leader Sviatłana Cichanoŭskaja and four other regime critics face a total of 12 criminal charges, including high treason and conspiracy to seize power.

Authorities closed to the public the trial of lawyer Vital Brahiniec, accused of forming an extremist group, calling for sanctions, inciting hatred and participating in protests, Viasna said.

Other instances of persecution

Prominent opposition politician Mikałaj Statkievič, currently serving a 14-year prison term on politically-motivated charges, is in solitary confinement again, his wife Maryna Adamovič said.

Prison authorities placed Siarhiej Laŭkajcis, serving a three-year term after being convicted of hooliganism, in a punishment cell for allegedly writing poems about prison events, Viasna said.

Extremist list updates

Authorities blacklisted a book with archival documents on everyday life in Western Belarus following its annexation to the Soviet Union in 1939.

Authorities also branded several local Telegram channels, sticker packs and social media accounts, including Ivie. NOVOSTI, by_help Molo and Molodechno Chat, as extremist content, BPN reported. 

Dissidents released

Authorities released Uładzimir Niaronski, a Słuck-based vlogger and close associate of Siarhiej Cichanoŭski, Viasna reported. He had served in full a three-year prison sentence given for allegedly participating in protests and insulting public officials.

Political prisoner Mikałaj Sierhijenia had also served in full his 20-month prison sentence given for online comments and was released.

As of January 18, human rights defenders identified at least 1,436 political prisoners.