This woman could have stopped Vladimir Putin invading Ukraine. Now she's in exile and a jail sentence awaits her in Belarus
1 year, 8 months ago

This woman could have stopped Vladimir Putin invading Ukraine. Now she's in exile and a jail sentence awaits her in Belarus

ABC  

It's the European country that jails journalists, presidential candidates and human rights activists, including last year's Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski. "In 2020, Lukashenko managed to stay in power only thanks to violence and thanks to the support of Putin and he had to show his loyalty," Ms Tsikhanouskaya says. Exiled Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya holds a picture of her husband during a "Belarus support day" protest in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2021. The moment this Belarusian dissident knew he was done for Photo shows Belarus police detain journalist Raman Pratasevich Here's what happened when Roman Protasevich realised his own government was "hijacking" a plane to arrest him. Mr Lukashenko, the so called "strongman" of Belarus is on one hand fearful of Mr Putin, and on the other hand scared of democracy, dissent and the will of the people.

Europe Exile Ryanair Ukraine Country Political Prisoners Belarus Lithuania Putin Russian Reuters Her Husband Jail Lukashenko Vladimir Putin Mr Putin Journalists Kgb Belarusian Vilnius Minsk Belarusians Tsikhanouskaya Mr Lukashenko Steve Cannane Ms Novik Iryna Novik Ms Tsikhanouskaya Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya Haretski  country  sentence  shes  vladimir  russian  jail  belarus  belarusian  putin  exile  invading  mr  woman  stopped  ukraine  lukashenko  journalists  tsikhanouskaya  ms

History of this topic

How one Ukrainian soldier and his wife survived 1,000 days of war with Russia
1 month, 1 week ago

How one Ukrainian soldier and his wife survived 1,000 days of war with Russia

NPR  

How one Ukrainian soldier and his wife survived 1,000 days of war with Russia toggle caption Claire Harbage/NPR KYIV and LYMAN, Ukraine — A thousand days into Russia's full-scale war on his country, Mykola Ivantsov fights on the eastern front line with a broken back that hasn't healed. "We've been asked if we're lovers or newlyweds," says Mykola, 52. "After …

Russia sentences US dual citizen to 12 years for treason
4 months, 1 week ago

Russia sentences US dual citizen to 12 years for treason

Al Jazeera  

Supporters say she donated about $50 to charity, but investigators accuse her of helping Ukraine buy weapons. A court in Russia has sentenced US-Russian dual national Ksenia Karelina to 12 years in prison after finding her guilty of treason for donating money to a charity supporting Ukraine. The Sverdlovsk Regional Court in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg returned its verdict …

Ksenia Karelina: LA ballerina held in Russia prison for treason ‘admits guilt’ for giving $51 to Ukraine charity, lawyer says
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Ksenia Karelina: LA ballerina held in Russia prison for treason ‘admits guilt’ for giving $51 to Ukraine charity, lawyer says

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ksenia Karelina, an American-Russian …

Exiled Belarus opposition leader says she hasn’t heard from her imprisoned husband for over 400 days
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Exiled Belarus opposition leader says she hasn’t heard from her imprisoned husband for over 400 days

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Belarus’ exiled opposition leader said Thursday that she hasn’t heard from her imprisoned husband for 421 days. They include Maria Kolesnikova, a leading opposition figure serving an 11-year prison sentence who hasn’t been heard from for 443 days, Mikola Statkevich, an opposition activist whose relatives haven’t heard from him for 448 days and lawyer Maxim Znak who …

Exiled Belarus opposition leader demands news of her imprisoned husband
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Exiled Belarus opposition leader demands news of her imprisoned husband

Associated Press  

VILNIUS, Lithuania — Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Friday marched to the country’s embassy in Lithuania, holding a photo of her imprisoned husband and demanding information about him after a year of being incommunicado. Tsikhanouski has been behind bars since being arrested in 2020 after announcing plans to challenge authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko in that year’s election. The …

How Putin's crackdown on dissent became the hallmark of the Russian leader's 24 years in power
9 months, 2 weeks ago

How Putin's crackdown on dissent became the hallmark of the Russian leader's 24 years in power

New Indian Express  

Another group, OVD-Info, said in November that 1,141 people are behind bars on politically motivated charges, with over 400 others receiving other punishment and nearly 300 more under investigation. Exiled oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who spent 10 years in prison after challenging Putin, told AP in a recent interview the Kremlin began stifling dissent even before his 2003 arrest. Asked …

Russia arrests L.A. woman for treason after she gave $50 to Ukraine, employer says
10 months ago

Russia arrests L.A. woman for treason after she gave $50 to Ukraine, employer says

LA Times  

Ksenia Karelina left Los Angeles around the New Year on a flight to Moscow via Istanbul. Los Angeles resident Ksenia Karelina, 33, a dual citizen of Russia and the United States, was arrested in Russia on treason charges. “So if you’re a U.S. citizen, including a dual national residing in or traveling in Russia, you ought to leave right now.” …

Putin not pushing Belarus to join Ukraine war, Lukashenko says
1 year, 4 months ago

Putin not pushing Belarus to join Ukraine war, Lukashenko says

Al Jazeera  

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko says Russian leader has achieved ‘goals’ in Ukraine and it is now time to negotiate. Russian President Vladimir Putin is not pushing Belarus into joining the war in Ukraine, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said, but he warned that Minsk would respond to external aggression including the use of Russia’s nuclear weapons deployed in his country. In …

Putin, Lukashenko to meet after Russia warns about aggression against Belarus
1 year, 5 months ago

Putin, Lukashenko to meet after Russia warns about aggression against Belarus

India Today  

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko will meet on Sunday, the Kremlin said, two days after Moscow warned that any aggression against its neighbour and staunchest ally would be considered an attack on Russia. After Poland decided earlier this week to move military units closer to its border with Belarus in response to the arrival in Belarus …

Russia: Pro-war blogger and retired soldier detained for criticising Putin, faces extremism charge
1 year, 5 months ago

Russia: Pro-war blogger and retired soldier detained for criticising Putin, faces extremism charge

India TV News  

A prominent former Russian security officer was detained on Friday by authorities on charges of extremism for allegedly criticising President Vladimir Putin and accusingb him of weakness and indecision. The 52-year-old Igor Strelkov, whose real name of Igor Girkin, is a retired security officer and pro-war blogger who previously led the Moscow-backed forces in eastern Ukraine and in the Russian …

Belarus opposition leader says anonymous message alleges that her husband died in prison
1 year, 5 months ago

Belarus opposition leader says anonymous message alleges that her husband died in prison

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said Tuesday that she had received an anonymous message alleging that her imprisoned husband, also an opposition figure, died behind bars. Siarhei Tsikhanouski, 44, a popular blogger and opposition activist, was arrested in 2020 after announcing plans to run against Belarus’ authoritarian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, in presidential elections that year. She added …

Belarus role in Russia-Wagner feud ‘boosts Lukashenko’s clout’
1 year, 5 months ago

Belarus role in Russia-Wagner feud ‘boosts Lukashenko’s clout’

Al Jazeera  

President Alexander Lukashenko has trumpeted his ‘peacekeeping’ role in quelling the Wagner mercenary group’s rebellion in Russia, raising questions about his motives. So when Lukashenko’s press service on Saturday night trumpeted his “peacekeeping” role in quelling the Wagner private army’s rebellion in neighbouring Russia, the biggest question was: What’s in it for him? “If Prigozhin stays in Belarus and manages …

Russia tries to project a sense of order after mercenary revolt but uncertainty still swirls
1 year, 5 months ago

Russia tries to project a sense of order after mercenary revolt but uncertainty still swirls

The Hindu  

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu made his first public appearance since a mercenary uprising demanded his ouster, inspecting troops in Ukraine in a video released on June 26 aimed at projecting a sense of order after the country’s most serious political crisis in decades. Russia's RIA Novosti state news agency cited unidentified sources in the Prosecutor General’s office as saying …

Russian Mercenaries' Revolt Undermines Putin, Could Lead To More Challenges
1 year, 5 months ago

Russian Mercenaries' Revolt Undermines Putin, Could Lead To More Challenges

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING For the first time in his more than 20-year rule, President Vladimir Putin’s power appeared to hang in the balance this weekend. The actions of the Russian leader’s one-time protégé “severely shake confidence in Putin among those around him who matter.” For several tense hours, the Kremlin seemed powerless as Wagner convoys rolled through Russia, smashing occasional …

Russian mercenaries’ revolt undermines Putin and could lead to further challenges to his rule
1 year, 5 months ago

Russian mercenaries’ revolt undermines Putin and could lead to further challenges to his rule

Associated Press  

For the first time in his more than 20-year rule, President Vladimir Putin’s power appeared to hang in the balance this weekend. The actions of the Russian leader’s one-time protégé “severely shake confidence in Putin among those around him who matter.” For several tense hours, the Kremlin seemed powerless as Wagner convoys rolled through Russia, smashing occasional roadblocks and shooting …

Belarus leader Lukashenko’s purported mediation in Kremlin crisis stretches credibility to the limit
1 year, 6 months ago

Belarus leader Lukashenko’s purported mediation in Kremlin crisis stretches credibility to the limit

CNN  

CNN — Nearly three years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin stood by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in his hour of need, backing Europe’s longest-running dictator as he faced a wave of street protests. A quick recap: A major crisis shook the foundations of the Russian state Saturday, as forces loyal to Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin marched toward Moscow. The …

Russian woman who left note on grave of Putin's parents convicted amid dissent crackdown
1 year, 7 months ago

Russian woman who left note on grave of Putin's parents convicted amid dissent crackdown

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Russian court gave a two-year suspended sentence Thursday to …

Belarus court sentences exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to prison
1 year, 9 months ago

Belarus court sentences exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to prison

Deccan Chronicle  

Minsk : A Belarusian court has sentenced the country's exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to 15 years in prison. Another prominent opponent, Pavel Latushko, was sentenced to 18 years in prison, and three others were sentenced to 12 years in prison, Euro News reported citing state news agency Belta and the human rights organisation Viasna. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya …

Belarus sentences exiled opposition leader to 15 years
1 year, 9 months ago

Belarus sentences exiled opposition leader to 15 years

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — A court in Belarus on Monday sentenced exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to 15 years in prison after a trial in absentia on charges including conspiring to overthrow the government, the latest move in a months-long effort by the Belarusian government to suppress dissent. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric, asked whether Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had any reaction to …

Putin on 'extremely difficult situation' as Ukraine seeks end to war: Top 10
2 years ago

Putin on 'extremely difficult situation' as Ukraine seeks end to war: Top 10

Hindustan Times  

Ten months into the Ukraine war and with no end in sight, Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to demonstrate a defiant stand over the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a news conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko following their meeting in Minsk, Belarus December 19, 2022. The situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, in the Kherson and …

Vladimir Putin says situation in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine 'extremely difficult'
2 years ago

Vladimir Putin says situation in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine 'extremely difficult'

ABC  

Vladimir Putin says the situation in four areas of Ukraine which Moscow claims as Russian territory is "extremely difficult". Key points: Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked for weapons and shells to "speed up the end to this war" Vladimir Putin is in Belarus, a close Russian ally bordering Ukraine He and the Belarusian leader dismissed claims Russia wants to "absorb" Belarus …

Vladimir Putin heads for Belarus amid fears of new assault on Ukraine
2 years ago

Vladimir Putin heads for Belarus amid fears of new assault on Ukraine

The Hindu  

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin flies to Belarus on Monday amid fear in Kyiv that he intends to pressure the former Soviet ally to join a new ground offensive against Ukraine and reopen a new front. Foreign diplomats say Mr. Lukashenko, a pariah in the West who relies heavily on Russian support, understands it would be a deeply unpopular step at …

As Vladimir Putin gets desperate in Ukraine, could he force an indebted friend to send help from Belarus?
2 years ago

As Vladimir Putin gets desperate in Ukraine, could he force an indebted friend to send help from Belarus?

ABC  

With Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, humiliated again and again on the battlefields of Ukraine, he may be preparing to cash in a favour owed to him by one of his closest allies, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko. Mr Lukashenko claimed that his and Putin's men are working as a "single army" prepared to "repel any aggression". However, Mr Lukashenko — the …

Belarus, Ukraine ‘interconnected’; must fight together to safeguard their existence: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
2 years, 3 months ago

Belarus, Ukraine ‘interconnected’; must fight together to safeguard their existence: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The Hindu  

The fate of Belarus and Ukraine are “interconnected,” and both countries must fight together to safeguard their very existence because Russia doesn’t view them as independent sovereign states, Belarus' Opposition leader said on September 23. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya said the war in Ukraine was “extremely unexpected” and some Belarusians are especially opposed to the war “against Ukrainians, our brothers and sisters.” …

In Russia, Vladimir Putin has broken promises and caused chaos he may not be able to contain
2 years, 3 months ago

In Russia, Vladimir Putin has broken promises and caused chaos he may not be able to contain

ABC  

Sitting on a bus in the border zone between Russia and Estonia, Lev Kudryakov is sending rapid-fire updates about what he's just experienced. He decided to head to the border as soon as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced things had changed and a partial mobilisation of Russian reservists was now "urgent". "I don't want to become part of his military …

Putin says Western sanctions pushing Russia-Belarus unification
2 years, 5 months ago

Putin says Western sanctions pushing Russia-Belarus unification

Al Jazeera  

The two countries signed a treaty in support of integration in 1997, and have sped up that process in recent years. President Vladimir Putin has said that “unprecedented political and social pressure” from the West, and a raft of sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine, are pushing Belarus to integrate more quickly with Russia. Last week, Russian Defence Minister …

Belarus urges Russia-led military alliance to unite against West
2 years, 7 months ago

Belarus urges Russia-led military alliance to unite against West

Al Jazeera  

Lukashenko, a key ally of Moscow, accused the West of supporting Nazi ideas and of being ‘at war with Russia’ in Ukraine. “Without a united front, the collective West will build up pressure on the post-Soviet space,” Lukashenko said, addressing President Putin and the leaders of Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Sanctions imposed on Belarus have blocked $16-$18bn worth of …

Russia fighting for motherland in Ukraine: Vladimir Putin on Victory Day
2 years, 7 months ago

Russia fighting for motherland in Ukraine: Vladimir Putin on Victory Day

India Today  

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday drew parallels between the Red Army’s fight during World War II against the Nazi troops and the battle in Ukraine. Speaking at a military parade to mark the World War II victory over Nazis, Putin said the campaign in Ukraine was a timely and necessary move to ward off potential aggression. He addressed the …

Woman forced to land in Belarus gets 6 years in prison
2 years, 7 months ago

Woman forced to land in Belarus gets 6 years in prison

Associated Press  

LVIV, Ukraine — A woman who ran a Belarusian opposition messaging app channel and was arrested along with her activist boyfriend when an airliner they were on was forced to land in Belarus was convicted Friday of charges that included inciting social hatred. Sapega and Raman Pratasevich were flying from Athens to Vilnius, Lithuania a year ago when their plane …

Belarus sentences dissident’s girlfriend to six years in prison
2 years, 7 months ago

Belarus sentences dissident’s girlfriend to six years in prison

Al Jazeera  

Sofia Sapega, whose flight was forced to land in Belarus last year, was convicted for inciting social hatred. A Belarusian court sentenced Sofia Sapega, the girlfriend of a dissident arrested after their commercial flight was forced to land in Belarus last year, to six years in prison on Friday for inciting social hatred, according to the Viasna Human Rights Center. …

Putin’s alleged mistress may be sanctioned by US over Ukraine invasion, reports say
2 years, 7 months ago

Putin’s alleged mistress may be sanctioned by US over Ukraine invasion, reports say

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Questions were raised after The Wall Street Journal …

Live Updates | Russia-Ukraine War
2 years, 8 months ago

Live Updates | Russia-Ukraine War

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS— A U.N. task force is warning in a new report that Russia’s war against Ukraine threatens to devastate the economies of many developing countries that are now facing even higher food and energy costs and increasingly difficult financial conditions. ___ KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he’s “sincerely thankful” to the U.S. for the new round …

Ukraine’s detention of oligarch close to Putin angers Moscow
2 years, 8 months ago

Ukraine’s detention of oligarch close to Putin angers Moscow

Associated Press  

LVIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s detention of fugitive Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, the former leader of a pro-Russian opposition party and a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been met with enthusiasm in Kyiv and irritation in Moscow. Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council and the country’s former president, posted threats to Ukrainian authorities on the …

Who is Viktor Medvedchuk, Putin’s main man in Ukraine?
2 years, 8 months ago

Who is Viktor Medvedchuk, Putin’s main man in Ukraine?

Al Jazeera  

Medvedchuk was recently captured by Ukrainian forces having fled house arrest soon after the war began. But Ukrainian forces thwarted Putin’s blitzkrieg – and intelligence service kept looking for Medvedchuk, whose pro-Russia political party, Eurosceptic Opposition Platform – For Life, suspended operations a month after his escape. From lawyer to Putin’s man in Ukraine A Soviet-era lawyer criticised for poor …

Russia-Ukraine crisis updates | April 5, 2022
2 years, 8 months ago

Russia-Ukraine crisis updates | April 5, 2022

The Hindu  

As Russian invasion of Ukranian territories continues, world leaders are rallying to suspend Russia from its seat on the U.N.’s top human rights body. Read | The road to Ukraine peace runs through Delhi Here are the latest updates: United Nations Crimes by Russia no different than those carried out by ISIS: Ukraine President tells UNSC Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy …

Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska may be on Russian hit lists, but she refuses to leave her husband Volodomyr Zelenskyy in a warzone
2 years, 8 months ago

Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska may be on Russian hit lists, but she refuses to leave her husband Volodomyr Zelenskyy in a warzone

ABC  

As Russian forces advanced closer and closer to the heart of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy knew his days could be numbered. The plan to eliminate Ukraine's first family While the first lady and her children are hiding somewhere in Ukraine, Mr Zelenskyy appears to be staying in the heavily fortified government district of Kyiv. Ukraine says Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov …

Australia sanctions Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, more Russians
2 years, 9 months ago

Australia sanctions Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, more Russians

ABC  

The federal government has sanctioned the Belarusian President and members of his family, as well as 22 more Russian propagandists, in response to their role in the war in Ukraine. Key points: Alexander Lukashenko, his son and his wife have all now been sanctioned They have been sanctioned for offering military and strategic support to Russia The federal government says …

‘We have one enemy’: The Belarusians who oppose the Ukraine war
2 years, 9 months ago

‘We have one enemy’: The Belarusians who oppose the Ukraine war

Al Jazeera  

Those who fled political violence in Belarus fear being associated with the actions of a government they do not support. “Lukashenko’s regime took everything from me,” says Gerard, explaining how he was persecuted and arrested in Belarus. “They want to protect Ukraine.” ‘The weaker Putin is, the weaker Lukashenko is’ The outcome of this invasion could also have consequences for …

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine rejects opening humanitarian corridors to Belarus, Russia
2 years, 9 months ago

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine rejects opening humanitarian corridors to Belarus, Russia

India TV News  

Highlights Ukraine rejects corridors to Belarus, Russia Kyiv said "this is an unacceptable option" Belarus is a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin Russia-Ukraine war latest updates: A senior Ukrainian official on Monday rejected a Russian proposal to evacuate civilians from besieged Ukraine to Russia and Belarus. “This is an unacceptable option for opening humanitarian corridors,” Ukrainian Deputy Prime …

Russia-Ukraine conflict: What you need to know about the powerful oligarchs and the sanctions on them
2 years, 9 months ago

Russia-Ukraine conflict: What you need to know about the powerful oligarchs and the sanctions on them

Firstpost  

The European Union and the United States have imposed sanctions on a long list of super-rich Russians believed to be close to Vladimir Putin — from former KGB colleagues to the godfather of the president’s eldest daughter The word oligarch has gained a lot of traction in the past few days with the European Union and the United States imposing …

Who is Europe’s ‘last dictator’ Alexander Lukashenko?
2 years, 9 months ago

Who is Europe’s ‘last dictator’ Alexander Lukashenko?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Prior to open warfare erupting last week, the country’s …

Jailed dissidents and luxury houses: how Vladimir Putin has kept Crimea in his grip after annexation
2 years, 10 months ago

Jailed dissidents and luxury houses: how Vladimir Putin has kept Crimea in his grip after annexation

The Telegraph  

When Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, the inhabitants of the lush Black Sea peninsula were told they could expect safety, higher wages, and respect for their heritage after “reunification” with the motherland. Eight years on, and with the world on high alert for another invasion as Vladimir Putin sends more than 100,000 troops to the Ukrainian border, the reality for …

Belarus hands opposition leader’s husband 18 years in prison
3 years ago

Belarus hands opposition leader’s husband 18 years in prison

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — A court in Belarus on Tuesday sentenced the husband of the country’s opposition leader to 18 years in prison, six months after the trial began behind closed doors. “I don’t have the right to tell my children that they won’t see their father for so many years, because I don’t believe it myself.” Siarhei Tsikhanouski has already …

What’s Putin’s gain in the Belarus migrant crisis?
3 years, 1 month ago

What’s Putin’s gain in the Belarus migrant crisis?

Al Jazeera  

The Kremlin has shielded Lukashenko from Western ostracism and propped his economy with multibillion loans. He’s like a cornered rat, and Moscow is his only protector,” Pyotr Lysevich, a Belarusian graphic designer who fled to neighbouring Ukraine following last year’s opposition protests against Lukashenko’s sixth presidential victory, told Al Jazeera. Moscow removed bureaucratic hurdles for hundreds of thousands of Belarusian …

Belarus court gives opposition activists lengthy sentences
3 years, 3 months ago

Belarus court gives opposition activists lengthy sentences

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — A court in Belarus on Monday sentenced two leading opposition activists to lengthy prison terms, the latest move in the relentless crackdown that Belarusian authorities have unleashed on dissent in the wake of last year’s anti-government protests. “It’s not a verdict, but rather the revenge of the authorities.” Belarus was rocked by months of protests fueled by …

Belarus sprinter says punishment awaited her back home
54 years, 11 months ago

Belarus sprinter says punishment awaited her back home

Associated Press  

MOSCOW — A Belarusian Olympic sprinter who had a public feud with officials from her team at the Tokyo Games said Tuesday that they “made it clear” she would face punishment if she returned home to an autocratic government that has relentlessly stifled any criticism. But “for now, the only thing that concerns me is my safety.” Asked what made …

Exiled Belarus minister negotiating for Krystsina Tsimanouskaya's asylum, after offer of humanitarian visas
3 years, 4 months ago

Exiled Belarus minister negotiating for Krystsina Tsimanouskaya's asylum, after offer of humanitarian visas

ABC  

The ABC has confirmed an exiled former Belarus minister is negotiating with several countries on behalf of an athlete who was forcibly removed from the Tokyo 2020 village by Belarusian officials and ordered home after she criticised them on social media. Key points: Krystsina Tsimanouskaya says she was "put under pressure" to return home after criticising Belarus team officials on …

Belarus: ‘All Belarusians are hostages to Lukashenko’s regime,’ say citizens now cut off from Europe
3 years, 6 months ago

Belarus: ‘All Belarusians are hostages to Lukashenko’s regime,’ say citizens now cut off from Europe

CNN  

CNN — As European airlines suspend the flights to Belarus that once offered one of the few exit routes out of an oppressive state already in the grip of closed land borders, many Belarusians fear the return of a Soviet-style Iron Curtain around their country. “All my friends are worried about the future of the country … we are very …

Why Belarus risked the wrath of the world to arrest an activist
3 years, 7 months ago

Why Belarus risked the wrath of the world to arrest an activist

Al Jazeera  

Is Lukashenko set on revenge or trying to send a message with Roman Protasevich’s detention? Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko scrambled a military jet to forcibly land a passenger airliner on Sunday night because of a “bomb report” that turned out to be fake. He may be right, because “extremism” is punishable by death in Belarus, Europe’s last nation where death …

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