Special procedure case opened against exiled activist

March 13, Pozirk. Belarusian investigators have opened a special procedure case against Ilona Rudzienia, the Investigative Committee’s press office said.

The move is indicative of the government’s effort to extend reprisals to new groups, now targeting victims who spoke out against police brutality in 2020.

She is charged with supporting extremism, insulting officials, threatening violence and other alleged crimes.

About two years ago, Rudzienia, formerly based in Salihorsk, Minsk region, told the Baltic news portal Delfi that she was arrested, beaten and briefly taken to a mental health hospital during the post-election protests of August 2020.

She was forced to flee the country because authorities put pressure on her family.

Special procedures allow the government to prosecute its exiled critics on charges of terrorism, genocide, high treason and extremism. It has already opened cases against 71 activists based abroad.