On October 9, the Supreme Court of Belarus rejected appeals and upheld the convictions and lengthy prison sentences of 20 independent political analysts, researchers, and journalists in a case widely regarded as politically motivated. These individuals, including journalists Yury Drakakhrust and Hanna Liubakova, had been sentenced in absentia and are currently in exile.
The group was convicted on charges of conspiring to overthrow the government and participating in an extremist group, with sentences ranging from 10 to 11 ½ years. The original verdicts were announced on July 1, prompting the defendants to appeal. However, the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the sentences reflects the Belarusian government’s ongoing crackdown on dissent. Those convicted face immediate imprisonment if they return to Belarus.
This wave of repression intensified following the disputed 2020 presidential election, in which Alyaksandr Lukashenka claimed a sixth term, sparking mass protests. Many opposition leaders, including exiled figurehead Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her aides, fled the country.
“This court decision underscores the Lukashenka regime’s relentless efforts to suppress opposition voices both within Belarus and abroad,” said Hanna Liubakova, a journalist and US think tank Atlantic Council fellow, who was sentenced to 10 years. “It’s a politically motivated case aimed at scaring us in exile and cutting our ties with those still in Belarus. Despite this persecution, we will continue our work and analysis.”
