Belorusian journalist Ales Lubianchuk sentenced to 3 years in prison
In Belarus, Minsk City Court judge judge Alena Ananich found journalist Ales Lubianchuk guilty under Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code of Belarus (establishment of an extremist formation or participation in it), the "Belarusian Association of Journalists" reports.
On 26 May 2022, Ales Lubianchuk was detained in the village of Kryvichy, Iueuski District, where he had moved recently.
In 2020, Lubianchuk was detained several times for performing his professional duties, and served his term in Baranovichi.
Lately, Ales Lubianchuk had been engaged in tourism and restoration of the historical and cultural heritage of his district.
Belarusian Association of Journalists strongly protests against the sentence, considers Ales Lubianchuk’s verdict as revenge for his years-long professional engagement, and demands that Ales and other media representatives imprisoned for political reasons be released.
The association reminded that there are 32 journalists behind bars in Belarus. Over 400 journalists were forced to leave their country. However, it is impossible to prevent information from spreading today.
As IMI reported, the Minsk City Court sentenced political prisoner, journalist Siarhei Satsuk to eight years in prison. He was charged with three criminal articles: "taking a bribe," "incitement to hatred," "abuse of power or authority." The judge found the suspect guilty of accepting a large bribe and abusing official authority. Siarhei Satsuk had trouble with the authorities long before his arrest. As his colleagues believe, the criminal cases are only a cover, and there is only one true reason for the persecution – Satsuk's journalistic investigations related to high-profile corruption. First of all, in the healthcare field.
Help us be even more cool!
