{"id":99218,"date":"2024-08-06T10:12:31","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T07:12:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/99218\/"},"modified":"2026-03-10T12:05:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T12:05:06","slug":"reprisals-target-exiles-2020-protesters-regime-critics-online-activities","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/99218\/","title":{"rendered":"Reprisals target exiles, 2020 protesters, regime critics\u2019 online activities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

August 6, Pozirk.<\/em><\/strong> New instances of politically-motivated persecution were documented in Belarus from August 3 to 5 as authorities stepped up harassment of exiled opponents with more trials held in absentia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A judge in Minsk opened proceedings against martial arts instructor Hienad\u017a Kapitana\u016d without the defendant being present, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported. Authorities accuse him of inciting hatred, calling for sanctions, insulting officials and \u0141uka\u0161enka \u2013 charges typical of politically-motivated cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another trial in absentia opened in Hrodna against exiled sisters Nadzieja \u015aciepancova, 53, and \u017dana Zacharkievi\u010d, 50, accused of facilitating extremism over alleged association with opposition groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investigators also launched special proceedings against Alaksandar Jacenka for allegedly insulting an official in connection with critical social media posts, the Investigative Committee said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arrested and released<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Police arrested Via\u010das\u0142a\u016d Berazaviec and Ta\u0107ciana Daniluk from Kobryn, Brest region, for participating in 2020 postelection protests, Mediazona<\/em> reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At least five people were arrested in Mazyr, Homiel region, ahead of Alaksandar \u0141uka\u0161enka’s visit, Viasna\u2019s Homiel branch said. They admitted under duress to following and sharing opposition content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alaksandar \u0160yka\u016d from Drybin, Mahilo\u016d region, is under arrest on extremism-related charges, a pro-government source reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authorities released blogger Vadzim Jerma\u0161uk after he had served three years in prison in a politically-motivated case, the Pravo Imeyut <\/em>Telegram channel said. The man said he is currently hospitalized in an oncology ward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Criminal proceedings<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctor Cimur \u0141azko has been on trial in Brest since July 4 on charges of financing terrorism in connection with donations to opposition solidarity groups, Viasna reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A judge in Brest resumed hearings in the trial of Ja\u016dhien Pielachaty accused of calling for sanctions, insulting \u0141uka\u0161enka and officials, inciting hatred and association with an extremist group, Viasna said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aleh Pivavar went on trial in Lachavi\u010dy, Brest region, on charges of insulting the head of state in connection with critical social media posts, according to Viasna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of August 6, human rights defenders identified at least 1,388 political prisoners but the real number is considerably higher because many cases go undocumented. Opposition sources estimate the number of political prisoners at around 5,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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