Update on arrests, trials, politically-motivated persecution

February 23, BPN. New cases of politically-motivated persecution were documented in Belarus on February 22.

Several arrested, one released

Police arrested a director of a car service center in Salihorsk, Minsk region, over a protest sticker on the entrance door, a pro-government source said. Police forced him to record a video where he is shown in his office with white-red-white and Ukrainian flag-themed objects.

Another Salihorsk resident is under arrest over a white-red-white sticker with the Pahonia coat of arms on his car. Police allegedly found flags of Poland and Canada, objects with Belarusian historical symbols and books that authorities deem extremist at his home, pro-government sources said.

Police also arrested a car mechanic from Lida, Hrodna region. In a video posted by the Telegram channels linked to police, the man admits under duress to signing up for the opposition’s Pieramoha plan.

Authorities released Mikałaj Čarnavus Jr. from Baranavičy, Brest region, after he had served 15 days in jail, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported. He is still a suspect in a criminal case for insulting Alaksandr Łukašenka.

Trials

A court in Homiel jailed businessman and lawyer Aleh Šamkin for 10 days on charges of distributing extremist content, Homiel-based activist Illa Mironaŭ said on his social media.

Criminal proceedings

A court in the Minsk region sentenced Ihar Pastuchoŭ to one year in prison for participating in 2020 protests and blocking traffic in Fanipal, Minsk region, Viasna reported.

Criminal cases

Authorities charged Dźmitryj Słuk from Babrujsk, Mahiloŭ region, with funding terrorist activities for donations to an organization deemed terrorist in Belarus. He has been in custody since February 10, Viasna said.

The news comes amid reports that the Committee for State Security (KGB) a hunting Belarusians who donated to the Bysol foundation that helps victims of political persecution. According to credible sources, KGB agents extort ten to hundred times the amount of donations for dropping charges.

Other instances of persecution

The Committee for State Security (KGB) added Volha Šeŭčyk, 30, a resident in Mazyr, Homiel region, to its register of individuals and entities involved in “terrorist activity,” Viasna said. In late November 2022, a court in Homiel found her guilty of five criminal offenses, including inciting hatred and insulting public officials online. Šeŭčyk’s trial was closed to the public and authorities did not disclose the verdict.

The Mahiloŭ prison authorities deprived journalist Alaksandr Lubiančuk of parcels, care packages and visits for three months for alleged violations of prison rules, the Belarusian Association of Journalists said.

As of February 23, human rights defenders identified at least 1,438 political prisoners.