Belarus convicts a journalist and sentences him to 3.5 years in prison
Summary
A Belarus court sentenced journalist Kiryl Pazniak to 3.5 years in prison for charges including discrediting Belarus and forming an extremist group. Pazniak, who hosted a political YouTube show, was arrested in 2025 and is seriously ill in prison; human rights groups say Belarus continues to limit free speech.Key Facts
- Kiryl Pazniak was convicted and sentenced to 3.5 years in prison by a Belarus court.
- Charges against him included discrediting Belarus and forming an extremist organization.
- He also must pay a fine of about $8,500.
- Pazniak was arrested in September 2025 and is seriously ill with pneumonia and COVID-19 in prison.
- Human rights groups label him a political prisoner.
- Belarus is ruled by President Alexander Lukashenko, who has led the country for over 30 years with strict control.
- Western countries have sanctioned Belarus for human rights abuses and its support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Despite releasing some political prisoners recently, Belarus still holds 863 political prisoners and suppresses journalists and opposition voices.
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