Homiel family of four accused of high treason

December 28, Pozirk. Homiel police arrested Vasil Procharaŭ, his wife Łarysa, son Pavieł and daughter Anastasija on charges of high treason, the Homiel branch of the Viasna Human Rights Center reports.

Both men are reportedly construction workers while the women worked at the Homiel City Hospital.

All four are held at the city’s pre-trial detention center. No further details of the case are available.

The high treason charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison. Authorities have been using it to prosecute opponents and dissenters in the last three years.

Opposition activist Pavieł Biełavus, journalists Kaciaryna Bachvałava (Andrejeva), Dzianis Ivašyn, media manager Andrej Alaksandraŭ and his wife Iryna Złobina were given lengthy prison terms on similar charges.