Minsk 07:34

Cichanoŭski gets one and a half years in prison for “malicious disobedience”

February 27, BPN. A judge has sentenced blogger Siarhiej Cichanoŭski to one and a half years in prison as part of a new criminal case.

At a hearing held in Žodzina’s Prison No 8, Minsk region, he was found guilty of malicious disobedience to the prison authorities, the Prosecutor General’s Office said.

The political prisoner pleaded not guilty.

Cichanoŭski’s total sentence reportedly amounts to 15 years, nine months and five days. His new trial began on February 14.

The popular blogger was arrested on May 29, 2020 at a picket in support of his wife, presidential candidate Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja.

On December 14, 2021 the Homiel Regional Court sentenced him to 18 years prison. Another defendant in his case, opposition politician Mikałaj Statkievič, was sentenced to 14 years. Bloggers Uładzimir Cyhanovič and Ihar Łosik, to 15 years. Strana Dlya Zhizni’s cameraman Arciom Sakaŭ and its social media manager Dźmitryj Papoŭ, to 16 years.

Cichanoŭski and other defendants were charged with a number of criminal offenses, such as organizing mass riots, inciting hatred and obstructing the work of the central election commission.

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