Nobel prize winner Bialiatski sentenced to 10 years in Belarus

The charges against Bialiatski, Belarus’ top human rights advocate, and his colleagues were connected to Viasna’s provision of money to political prisoners and helping pay their legal fees.

Ales Bialiatski was arrested and jailed after massive protests over a 2020 election
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Ales Bialiatski was arrested and jailed after massive protests over a 2020 election

A Belarusian court has sentenced Ales Bialiatski, Belarus’ top human rights advocate and one of the winners of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, to 10 years in prison.

Bialiatski and three other top figures of the Viasna human rights centre he founded were convicted on Friday of financing anti-government protests.

Lukashenko - in office since 1994 - has suppressed opposition and cracked down on independent news media.

The 2020 protests persisted for several months, the largest wave of protest to hit Belarus, and authorities took harsh action. More than 35,000 people were arrested, and thousands were beaten by police. 

READ MORE: Belarus seeks 19-year jail term for exiled opposition leader

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