June 6, Pozirk. A Telegram channel linked to police has posted a “confession” video featuring Belarusian award-winning pop singer Saša Nema (real name Alaksandar Jafimik) apologizing for participating in 2020 postelection protests.
The singer told his followers on Instagram that he had a “very difficult conversation with law enforcers where he had to testify,” but assured them he was doing fine.
No charges have been reported against him yet.
Many artists and celebrities who supported 2020 protests in Belarus fled the country later, fearing politically-motivated persecution.
Those who remained face constant pressure from authorities and state-sponsored propaganda, accusing them of disloyalty and supporting the opposition.
Last fall, the media reported the arrests of blogger Hanna Bond and TV host Łarysa Hrybalova. Bond reportedly served a jail term.
At least 5,133 people have been convicted in politically-motivated criminal cases in Belarus over the past four years, according to the Viasna Human Rights Center.
Also read: Reprisals: two arrested for posts, Nizkiz members get off with non-custodial sentences
