Radio Liberty condemns the inclusion of Belarusian journalist Losik in the "list of terrorists"
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) condemned the Lukashenka's regime adding the imprisoned journalist for Radio Liberty's Belarusian branch Ihar Losik to the "list of terrorists," Radio Liberty reports.
Losik was arrested by Belarusian agents in June 2020 and tried on false charges, including "organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate the public order" and "preparing to participate in mass riots." In December 2021, after a five-month closed-door trial, Losik was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison. After his arrest, Losik was subjected to severe physical and psychological pressure and spent weeks on hunger strike in protest against his detention.
"This escalation is an egregious abuse of the state’s authority and underlines the Lukashenka regime’s contempt for journalists who expose the truth. We continue to demand Ihar’s immediate release from prison so he can be reunited with his wife and daughter," said Radio Liberty President and CEO Jamie Fly.
As IMI reported, the day before, the State Security Committee of Belarus has added Radio Liberty freelance consultant, administrator of the opposition Telegram channel "RB of the brain" Ihar Losik, sentenced to 15 years in prison, to the "list of terrorists."
Ihar Losik was detained in June 2020 on charges of inciting social hatred "against government officials and law enforcement departments" committed by a group of individuals, as well as organizing mass riots. Losik went on a hunger strike to protest the new charges.
On December 3, the Central District Court of Minsk has recognized the informational content on the "Radio Liberty – Belarus" Telegram channel, as well as its analogues on social media and on YouTube video hosting, as "extremist content."
On December 14, 2021, Ihar Losik was sentenced to 15 years in a penal colony.
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