Belarus opens 129 “extremism” cases in Q4 2022 – rights group

January 19, BPN. Belarusian law enforcers opened at least 129 criminal cases for “extremism” in October-December 2022, the Human Constanta rights group said in a review.

They also opened some 127 “extremism” cases under the Administrative Offenses Code. The number does not include prosecution for alleged participation in protests and online insults against officials.

Courts imposed at least 89 sentences.

The heaviest “extremism” sentence documented in this timeframe was 25 years’ imprisonment for former entrepreneur and civic activist Mikałaj Aŭtuchovič, found guilty of 10 criminal offenses.

Human Constanta also pointed at the Investigative Committee’s data indicating that 30 “terrorism” probes were ongoing as of late November.

It said state agencies and media used accusations of “extremism” for political pressure and intimidation of civil society.