Christians Political Prisoners in Belarus
Organisation"Christian Vision"
Belarusian inter-Christian association, created during peaceful protests of 2020.
Information about the «Christian Vision». Founding statement of the «Christian Vision» Working Group. The mission of the «Christian Vision».
The list is maintained by the Belarusian Christian ecumenical group, Christian Vision. It includes ministers, active believers and people who declared their faith or connection to religious organisations. Constantly updated. As of 26 March 2025: 37 persons.
Priests and minsters
Belarusian Orthodox Church
Roman Catholic Church
Evangelical Churches
Believers
Belarusian Orthodox Church
6. Bakhvalava (Andreyeva) Katsiaryna
Roman Catholic Church
Belarusian Greek Catholic Church
Evangelical Churches and Non-Denominational Christians
Priests and ministers
Belarusian Orthodox Church
Siarhei Rezanovich
Orthodox priest. Born: 4 July 1968.
Imprisoned: PK-15, 213105 Mogilev, p/o Veino, Slavogorodskoe highway, 183
He was detained December 1, 2020 under Article 289 of the Criminal Code (Act of Terrorism), the “Avtukhovich case”. He was accused along with his wife, Liubou Rezanovich, and son, Pavel. Letters were not being delivered.
On October 17, 2022, the trial concluded. The Hrodno Regional Court (Judge Maksim Filatau) found Siarhei Rezanovich guilty under Part 2 of Article 285 of the Criminal Code (participation in a criminal organization), Part 1 of Article 14 and Part 2 of Article 357 of the Criminal Code (attempt to seize state powerby unconstitutional means), Part 1 of Article 13 and Part 2 of Article 295-3 of the Criminal Code (illegal actions with objects whose damaging effect is based on the use of combustible substances, committed by a group of persons) – and sentenced to 16 years of imprisonment in a high-security colony and a fine of 600 base units (19,200 rubles).
Roman Catholic Church
Andrzej Juchniewicz OMI
Roman Catholic priest of the Order of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, served in the diocesan sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Shumilino (Vitebsk region), and was the head of the coordination group of superiors and representatives of religious communities in Belarus. 44 years old.
In custody: SIZO-2, Vitebsk st. Gagarina 2, 210026
On May 8, 2024, he was detained after participating in a meeting of priests and consecrated persons of the Vitebsk diocese, which took place in his church. Along with him, a priest from his order, Pavel Lemekh OMI, was also detained. In addition, one of the parishioners was also detained. The detention took place after the meeting – the priest was stopped on the way.
The trial took place on May 10, 2024, the priests were tried via Skype and subjected to administrative arrest. Father Juchniewicz received 15 days. The decision was made by Judge Natalia Korablina of the Pervomaisky District Court of Vitebsk. The Oblate priest was charged with posting photos on Facebook with his image with a white-red-white flag and the flag of Ukraine. This served as the basis for bringing the cleric under Part 1 of Art. 24.23 of the Administrative Code (violation of the established procedure for picketing). After 15 days, the priest was never released. He was subjected to a second administrative arrest under Art. 19.11. (distribution of extremist materials). On June 25, 2024, he was recognized by human rights activists as a political prisoner. He has being tortured. In July he was placed from administrative arrest into custody. In November 2024 he was accused of: Engaging in lewd or lascivious acts by a person who has reached the age of eighteen, with a person known to be under the age of sixteen (Part 2 of Article 169 of the Criminal Code); Violent acts of a sexual nature (Part 2 of Article 167 of the Criminal Code); Sexual acts with a person under the age of 16 (Part 2 of Article 168 of the Criminal Code).
The trial began on December 27, 2024.
Henryk Okolotowicz
Roman Catholic priest, rector of the Church of St. Joseph in Valožyn, Minsk-Mahiliou Archdiocese. 64 years old.
In custody: SIZA No. 1 Navadvorski s/s, 143/4, Paškovichy village, Minsk district, Minsk region 223016.
He is 64 years old, in the spring of 2023 underwent gastric surgery due to an oncological disease, a heart attack, needs medical supervision and medication.
He was detained on November 17, 2023, the detention took place as part of a criminal case under Part 1 of Art. 356 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus “Treason against the state.” A search was conducted in the priest’s parental home in the village of Novaya Mysh (Baranovichi district).
On 30 December 2024, the Minsk Regional Court sentenced Okolotovich to 11 years in a strict regime colony.
Evangelical Churches
Mikalai Khila
A preacher of Baptist Church “Good News” in Minsk, worked for EU delegation in Belarus. Born: 17 October 1983.
In custody: SIZO-1, 223016, Navadvorski village council, 143/4, Paškovičy, Minsk district, Minsk region.
On 24 April 2024, he was detained and placed in Akrescina. Later, he was taken into custody and placed in a detention center in Kaliadzichy. He was initially accused of insulting Lukashenko (Article 368 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus).
On 31 December 2024, he was sentenced to 4 years in a colony under articles of the Criminal Code for inciting hatred (Article 130) and causing harm to national security (Part 3 of Article 361).
Believers
Belarusian Orthodox Church
Mikalai Autukhovich
Orthodox Christian, entrepreneur. Born: 7 January 1963.
Imprisoned: Prison No. 1, Hrodna, 1 Kirava Street, 230023.
On 1 December 2020, he was detained under Article 289 of the Criminal Code (Act of Terrorism). Previously he has served multiple terms as a political prisoner.
On 11 July 2021, he began a dry hunger strike to protest the restriction of correspondence – he was not allowed to receive letters, even from his mother. On the 18th day of the hunger strike, his condition deteriorated so much that he was not even brought to court. After 19 days of hunger strike, he began to drink water.
On 17 October 2022, the trial concluded, and Mikalai Autukhovich was found guilty by the Hrodna Regional Court (Judge Maksim Filatau) under Part 3 of Article 285 of the Criminal Code (creation of a criminal organization and participation in it); Part 1 of Article 14 and Part 2 of Article 357 of the Criminal Code (attempt to seize state power by unconstitutional means); Part 1 of Article 356 of the Criminal Code (treason); Part 3 of Article 130 of the Criminal Code (incitement of other social hatred); Part 3 of Article 361 of the Criminal Code (calls for restrictive measures (sanctions), other actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus); Part 1 of Article 290-2 of the Criminal Code (attempt to involve in terrorist activities); Part 3 of Article 289 of the Criminal Code (act of terrorism and preparation for it); Part 4 of Article 295 of the Criminal Code (illegal actions with firearms, ammunition, explosives and explosive devices, including preparation for such actions); Part 3 of Article 333-1 of the Criminal Code (illegal movement of firearms, ammunition sets for them, explosives, explosive devices across the customs border of the EAEU and the state border of the Republic of Belarus); Part 1 of Article 295-3 of the Criminal Code (illegal actions with items whose action is based on the use of combustible substances) – and received 25 years of imprisonment in a strict regime colony (the first five years in prison), a fine of 1,000 base units (32,000 rubles), and was also deprived of the rank of retired senior warrant officer.
Katsiaryna Bakhvalava (Andreyeva)
Jounalist, Orthodox Christian. Born: 2 November 1993.
Imprisoned: Penal Colony No. 4, Homiel, 3 Antoškina Street, 246035.
She was detained on 15 November 2020 under Article 342 (Organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order, or active participation in them) for a live broadcast from the scene of the violent dispersal of demonstrators by security forces in “Peramien Square” in Minsk on 15 November 2020. She was sentenced for 2 years of imprisonment with transfer to a general regime penal colony. During her sentence, a new trial was initiated under Part 1 of Article 356 of the Criminal Code – “treason.” The essence of the charge is unknown, the lawyer is under a non-disclosure agreement, and the trial was held behind closed doors.
The verdict was delivered on 13 July 2022: 8 years of imprisonment in a reinforced regime colony.
Uladzislau Barysau
Orthodox Christian, parishioner of the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral in Minsk. Born: 2 June 1999.
Imprisoned: Penal Colony No. 15, Mahilioŭ, Vejna p/o, 183 Słaŭharadskaja Highway, 213105.
He was detained on 13 September 2020. Charges: Part 1 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code — Organization of mass riots. Part 2 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code — Participation in mass riots. Article 342 of the Criminal Code — Organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order, or active participation in them.
He was sentenced for 5 years of imprisonment in a reinforced regime penal colony.
Aliaksandr Fiaduta
Literary scholar, political analyst, Orthodox believer. Born: 3 November 1964.
Imprisoned: Penal colony No. 15. 213105, Mahilioŭ, Viejna, Slaŭharadskaja šaša 183.
He was detained in Moscow on 12 April 2021, as part of a case of an attempted coup d’etat in Belarus. He was charged under Art. 357 of the Criminal Code (conspiracy to seize state power by unconstitutional means).
The trial commenced on 29 July 2022, in the Minsk Regional Court. Aliaksandr Fiaduta pleaded guilty partially and did not agree with the motives stated in the accusation.
He was sentenced for 10 years of imprisonment in a medium-security penal colony.
Yauhen Hlushkou
Musician, veterinarian, former church servant of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Prybitki, Homiel District. Born: 11 July 1990.
Imprisoned: Penal colony No. 1. 211440, Navapolack, vulica Techničnaya 8.
He was detained in August 2022 and placed under custody. Contacts with Ukrainians and an old photo of the airfield in Ziabrauka, which is used by Russian troops for airstrikes against Ukraine, were found on his phone. The photo was taken with a drone, which became the reason for criminal prosecution under Part 1 of Article 356 (treason against the state). The case was considered in a closed session. The man was found guilty of treason against the state and of assisting extremist
He was charged for 9 years of imprisonment in a medium-security penal colony.
Daniel-Landsey Keita
Musician, Orthodox believer, sings in church choirs. A laureate of the first degree of the Republican competition for young vocalists named after Shalyapin. In 2018, he graduated from the Republican Music College with a degree in “Choral Conducting” and enrolled in the Belarusian State Academy of Music. Since 2019, he has been a singer in the “All Saints” choir of the All Saints parish in Minsk, which is led by the well-known pro-government priest Archpriest Fyodar Pouny. Before 2019, he was a singer at the Alexander Nevsky Church in Minsk.
He was detained in June 2024 in Hrodna, as reported in a video published by law enforcement. Keita stated that he participated in the protests in 2020 and left negative comments directed at the authorities and law enforcement officers. The schedule of the Minsk District Court included information that the hearing of the criminal case under Part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code against the believer was supposed to begin on 22 January 2025.
The result of the court is unknown.
Hanna Kmit
Orthodox Christian. Born: 28 March 1986.
In custory: Pre-trial detention center No. 1. 223016, Navadvorski s/s, 143/4, v. Pashkovichy, Minsk district, Minsk region.
She was arrested together with her husband Andrei Selianinau on 31 October 2024. They were charged under Article 342 of the Criminal Code (active participation in group actions that grossly violate public order). The detention took place during the campaign against those who helped to political prisoners and their families.
She is a mother of two children.
Currently she awaits for a trial.
Dzmitry Navazhylau
Orthodox believer, former director of the BelaPAN news agency. Born: 12 August 1972.
Imprisoned: Penal colony No. 3. 211322, Viciebsk region, Vićba
Navazhylau was arrested on 18 August 2021, after security officers searched his home and BelaPAN’s office in Minsk.
Navazhylau was detained for 72 hours under Art. 342 of the Criminal Code (organization or preparation of actions that grossly violate public order, or participation in them). After 10 days arrest, Navazhylau was transferred to pre-trial detention center No. 1 in Minsk.
In early September 2021, Navazhylau was officially charged under Part 2 of Art. 243 of the Criminal Code (tax evasion entailing large-scale damage).
In November 2021, Navazhylau faced new charges 6 years of imprisonment in a general-security penal colony.
Liubou Rezanovich
Entrepreneur, wife of an Orthodox priest Siarhei Rezanovich. Born: 11 November 1964.
Imprisoned: Homiel, Penal Colony No. 4, 3 Antoshkina Street, 246035.
She was detained on 1 December 2020 under Article 289 of the Criminal Code (Act of Terrorism), the “Autukhovich case.” Her husband, priest Siarhiei Rezanovich, and their son, Pavel, are also accused in the same case.
On 17 October 2022, the trial concluded, and Liubou Rezanovich was found guilty by the Hrodna Regional Court (Judge Maksim Filatau) under Part 2 of Article 285 of the Criminal Code (participation in a criminal organization), Part 1 of Article 14 and Part 2 of Article 357 of the Criminal Code (attempt to seize state power by unconstitutional means), Part 1 of Article 13 and Part 3 of Article 289 of the Criminal Code (attempted act of terrorism), Part 4 of Article 295 of the Criminal Code (illegal actions with firearms, ammunition, and explosives, committed by an organized group) – and sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment in a general regime colony and a fine of 600 base units (19,200 rubles).
She was subjected to torture.
Pavel Rezanovich
Lawyer, son of an Orthodox priest Siarhei Rezanovich. Born: 1 July 1993.
Imprisoned: Prison No. 1, Hrodna, 1 Kirova Street, 230023.
He was detained on 1 December 2020 under Article 289 of the Criminal Code (Act of Terrorism), the “Autukhovich case.” His parents, priest Siarhiei Rezanovich and Liubou Rezanovich, were also accused in the same case.
On 17 October 2022, the trial concluded, and Pavel Rezanovich was found guilty by the Hrodna Regional Court (Judge Maksim Filatau) under Part 3 of Article 285 of the Criminal Code (creation of a criminal organization or participation in it, committed by an official), Part 1 of Article 14 and Part 2 of Article 357 of the Criminal Code (attempt to seize state power by unconstitutional means), Part 1 of Article 13 and Part 3 of Article 289 of the Criminal Code (attempted act of terrorism, committed by an organized group), Part 4 of Article 295 of the Criminal Code (illegal actions with firearms, ammunition, and explosives, committed by an organized group) – and sentenced to 19 years of imprisonment in a strict regime colony and a fine of 800 base units (25,600 rubles).
Andrei Selianinau
Orthodox Christian. Born: 1 October 1985.
In custody: Pre-trial detention center No. 1. 223016, Navadvorski selsavet, 143/4, v. Pashkovichy, Minsk rajon, Minsk voblast.
He was arrested together with his wife Hanna Kmit on 31 October 2024. They were charged under Article 342 of the Criminal Code (active participation in group actions that grossly violate public order).
The detention took place during the campaign against those who helped to political prisoners and their families.
Currently he awaits for a trial.
Andrei Seviartoka
Orthodox believer from Hrodna. Born: 4 July 1971.
Imprisoned: Pre-trial detention center No. 8. 222163, Žodzina, vulica Savieckaja 22A.
He was arrested on 27 September 2020 during a protest in Hrodna after trying to cover and help a person lying on the ground. Accused under Article 364 of the Criminal Code — Violence or threat of violence against a law enforcement officer. On 30 March 2021, the trial was concluded.
He was charged for 5,5 years of imprisonment in a high security prison.
At the end of December 2021, he was transferred to a prison regime.
Pavel Seviarynets
Politician, co-founder of the Belarusian Christian Democracy party, Orthodox Christian, Christian publicist. Born: 30 December 1976. Previously also has been a political prisoner.
Imprisoned: Prison No. 1, Hrodna, 1 Kirova Street, 230023.
He was detained on 7 June 2020 under Part 2 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code (Participation in mass riots).
He was sentenced for 7 years of imprisonment in a reinforced regime colony. “Christian Vision”: Statement by “Christian Vision” regarding the denial of priests’ access to political prisoners Pavel Sieviarynets, Irena Bernackaja, and Volha Załatar from 4 May 2021.
Mikalai Statkevich
Politician, social democrat, Orthodox Christian. Born: 12 August 1956. Previously also has been a political prisoner.
Imprisoned: Penal Colony No. 13, Hłybokaje, 205 Savietskaya Street, 211791.
He was detained on 31 May 2020 on the way to the pre-election picket of presidential candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Initially, he received 30 days of administrative arrest but was never released. Subsequently, he was convicted in the criminal “Tsikhanouski case” for “organizing mass riots” under Part 1 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code.
He was sentenced for 14 years of imprisonment in a special regime colony.
Incommunicado since February 2023.
Siarhei Tsikhanouski
Orthodox believer, blogger, author of the YouTube channel “Country for Life,” and husband of the leader of democratic Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Born: 18 August 1978.
Imprisoned: Pre-trial detention center No. 8. 222163, Žodzina, vulica Savieckaja 22A.
He was detained 29 May 2020 during the pre-election picket of presidential candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Hrodna.
On 8 June 2020, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, along with six other detainees, was charged under Part 1 of Art. 342 of the Criminal Code (disturbing public order). He later faced an additional charge under Article 191 of the Criminal Code (obstructing elections). In late November, Tsikhanouski faced a new charge after six months of his pre-trial detention expired on 28 November 2020.
He was charged for 19 years of imprisonment in a high security prison.
Incommunicado since 9 March 2023.
Roman Catholic Church
Uladzislau Beladzed
Catholic believer, a graduate of the Institute of Theology of the Belarusian State University, and a catechism teacher at the Minsk Archcathedral of the Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Born: 03 August 1990.
Imprisoned: Penal colony No. 17, Shklou, Zavodzkaya Str., Mahiliou region 213004, Belarus.
He was detained on 31 May 2023, for actively participating in common Christian prayers for the cessation of violence and lawlessness during the peaceful protests of 2020, related to the developing political crisis in Belarus. The believer was subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment, forced to record a so-called “penitential” video in which he appeared very subdued and was forced to declare his homosexual orientation twice on camera, placing him under additional threat of pressure in places of detention or custody. In a video produced by pro-government propagandists, the believer was spoken of in a humiliating and insulting tone, and photos and videos with sexually explicit scenes in which he allegedly participated were shown.
On 2 June 2023, a court hearing was held in the Central District Court of Minsk on Beladzed’s case under Article 19.11 of the Administrative Code (distribution of extremist materials; in this case, sending a relative a sermon by Patriarch Kirill from the NEXTA Telegram channel in February 2023), and the believer received 15 days of administrative arrest. After the term expired, he was not released, and on 16 June 2023, a new trial was held under the same article for sending an article from the “Zerkalo” news resource in September 2022; Judge Dzmitry Karsiuk added another 15 days of administrative arrest.
On 11 July 2023, a criminal case was initiated under Article 130 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus (Incitement of racial, national, religious, or other social hatred or discord) for correspondence in which he allegedly called for violence against law enforcement officers. He was taken into custody. Another so-called “penitential” video was recorded with him, in which he was forced to say that employees of the Archcathedral Church hid protesters during the peaceful protests of 2020 and allegedly observed the movement of law enforcement officers from the bell tower, warning protesters of their approach.
On 6 March 2024, the first hearing in the criminal case against Uladzislau Beladzed was held behind closed doors in the Minsk City Court. The case was considered by Judge Alena Ananich. On March 14, 2024, a verdict was handed down: 3 years of imprisonment.
Ales Bialiatski
Catholic activist, human rights defender, 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. He is the chairman and founder of the “Viasna” Human Rights Center. In the 1990s, he was an activist for the revival of the Catholic Church in Belarus and its Belarusianisation. Born: 25 September 1962.
Imprisoned: Penal Colony No. 9, 213410, Dabraliubava str., 16, Gorki, Mahiliou region, Belarus.
He was detained on 14 July 2021, with searches conducted at his home and the organization’s office. He was charged under Part 2 of Article 243 (tax evasion). On 26 September 2022, it became known that the criminal case against Valiantsin Stefanovich, presumably Ales Bialiatski, Uladzimir Labkovich, and other members of the “Viasna” human rights center under Part 2 of Article 243 of the Criminal Code (tax evasion) was dropped. They faced new charges of smuggling (large-scale illegal movement of cash across the customs border of the Eurasian Economic Union by an organized group) under Part 4 of Article 228; and also under Part 2 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code—financing group actions that grossly violate public order. It is known that the investigation requalified the charge, but it concerns the same amount of money that figured in the tax evasion charge.
On Christmas 2021, he received a letter from Kirsten Fehrs, the Bishop of Hamburg and Chairperson of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany.
By decision of the court of the Leninsky district of Minsk, presided over by Judge Maria Zapastnik, Ales Bialiatski was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment in a maximum-security penal colony, as well as a fine of five thousand base units (185,000 Belarusian rubles). It was also ordered to recover, jointly and severally from Bialiatski, Stefanovich, Labkovich, and Solovyov, the amount of 752,438 rubles and 62 kopecks (almost 297,650 dollars), which they allegedly “obtained through criminal means” through “organized crime group smuggling.”
On 02 May 2023 he was transfered to Correctional colony number 9 in Gorki.
Aliaksandr Danilevich
A Catholic believer, a parishioner of St. Simeon and Helena Church in Minsk (Red Church), a lawyer, and a father of many children. Born: 30 November 1974.
Imprisoned: Penal colony No. 17, Shklou, Zavodzkaya Str., Mahiliou region 213004, Belarus.
He was detained on 20 May 2022 in a criminal case and held in the KGB detention center. He was charged under Part 3 of Article 361 of the Criminal Code (calls for restrictive measures (sanctions) or other actions aimed at harming the national security of Belarus) and placed in Detention Center No. 1.
A father of many children, shortly before his detention, he signed an anti-war appeal by Belarusian lawyers and jurists against the war in Ukraine, motivated by his faith in God and the desire to fulfill God’s commandments. After this, Danilevich began to have problems in the legal profession – a disciplinary procedure was initiated against him. He was also dismissed from BSU, where he taught at the Faculty of International Relations for over 20 years. Prosecutor Tatsiana Tsybulya led the prosecution, Judge Tatsiana Falklouskaya (Minsk City Court) presided over the case. The sentence was handed down on 10 April 2023: 10 years of imprisonment.
Dzianis Ivashyn
Catholic believer, a resident of Hrodna, journalist for “Novy Chas” and InformNapalm. Born: 06 June 1979
Imprisoned: Investigation Prison No. 8, Savetskaya str. 22A, Zhodzina, 222163, Belarus.
He was detained on 12 March 2021 and charged under Article 365 of the Criminal Code (Interference with the activities of an employee of the internal affairs bodies), Article 356 of the Criminal Code (Treason against the state).
He was sentenced for 13 years and 1 month of imprisonment in a reinforced regime colony.
He has heart problems.
Ihar Losik
Catholic believer, resident of Baranovichi, journalist, worked for SMM of Radio Free Liberty. Born: 20 May 1992.
Imprisoned: Correctional Colony No. 1, 211440, Tekhnichnaya str. 8, Navapolatsk, Belarus.
He was detained on 25 June 2020. The court date was 14 December 2021. He was charged under Part 1 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code (Organization of mass riots), Article 130 of the Criminal Code (Incitement of hatred or discord).
He was sentenced for 15 years of imprisonment in a reinforced regime colony. He attempted suicide. His wife, Darya Losik, was also a political prisoner.
He addressed a letter to Pope Francis in August 2021. The letter was left without response.
Andrzej Poczobut
Catholic believer, resident of Hrodna, journalist, and member of the “Union of Poles.” Born: 16 April 1973.
Imprisoned: Correctional Colony No. 1, 211440, Tekhnichnaya str. 8, Navapolatsk, Belarus.
He was detained on 25 March 2021. He was charged under Article 361 of the Criminal Code (Calls for actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus), Article 130 of the Criminal Code (Incitement of hatred or discord).
He was sentenced for 8 years of imprisonment in a reinforced regime colony. In August 2023, he was transferred to a cell-type facility for six months.
Yauhen Prapolski
Catholic, an altar server, icon-painter. He was a parishioner of the Baranavichy parish, then the Lyakhavichy parish, and when he lived and worked in Minsk, he attended the Red Church. Born: 20 December 1994.
Imprisoned: Correctional Colony No. 20, Mikhalouski s/s, 70, Mazyr district, 247755, Belarus.
He was detained on 29 September 2020. He was charged under Part 2 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code (Participation in mass riots), Article 218 of the Criminal Code (Intentional destruction or damage to property committed in a generally dangerous way or causing major damage), a case related to participation in “radical” Telegram chats.
He was sentenced for 8 years of imprisonment in a reinforced regime colony. On 03 May 2023, he was convicted in a new criminal case under Article 411 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus (malicious disobedience to the requirements of the colony administration) by the Babrujsk district and Babrujsk city court and sentenced to one and a half years of imprisonment.
At the end of May, he was transferred to Mazyr Colony No. 20.
Mikita Yemialyanau
Catholic believer, who served at the church and was an altar server. Anarchist. Born: 24 March 2000.
Imprisoned: Prison No. 1, Kirava str. 1, Hrodna, 230023, Belarus.
He was detained on 20 October 2019.
He was sentenced for 4 years of imprisonment in a reinforced regime colony + 2 years of imprisonment in a strict regime colony.
“Christian Vision” made a statement regarding the violation of the right to freedom of religion of political prisoner Mikita Yemialyanau. On 11 March 2022, Yemialyanau was sentenced to an additional two years of imprisonment, which, combined with the remainder of his unserved term, results in 3.5 years of imprisonment in a strict regime colony.
Yemialyanau stated that he violated the rules of detention in the correctional facility “due to the violation of my religious rights and freedoms, as well as due to the fact that my right to receive correspondence was violated”. To receive a pastoral visit he had to go on hunger strike.
On 12 June 2022, he was transferred to Correctional Colony No. 11 in Volkovysk, and than to Prison No. 1 in Hrodna. In early February 2025, Mikita Yemialyanau was again convicted in Hrodna under Article 411 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus—for allegedly “malicious disobedience to the requirements of the administration.” Judge Kiryl Efimovich sentenced the young man to another year of imprisonment. Now his total sentence is 7 years.
Belarusian Greek Catholic Church
Aleh Katsapau
Public figure and poet from Homiel, a former deacon of the Belarusian Greek Catholic Church. Born: 10 April 1969.
Imprisoned: Penal Colony No. 11, Rakasouski str., 118, Vaukavysk, 231900, Belarus.
He was detained in an administrative case on 21 March 2023 and accused of producing, distributing or possessing extremist materials under Article 19.11 of the Administrative Code. 10 January 2024 he was convicted for 2,5 years of imprisonment in a general regime colony, convicted under Article 130 (incitement of racial, national, religious or other social hatred or discord), Article 368 of the Criminal Code (insulting Lukashenko), Article 361-4 (facilitating extremist activity).
The case was considered by Judge Siarhei Salouski. He was added to the list of extremists on 15 March 2024.
Aliaksandr Yurchyk
Resident of Minsk, a Greek Catholic believer. Born: 16 August 1969.
Imprisoned: Penal Colony No. 1, 211440, Tekhnichnaya str. 8, Navapolatsk, Belarus.
He was detained on 16 January 2021. He was charged under Article 293 of the Criminal Code (Participation in mass riots), Article 218 of the Criminal Code (Intentional destruction or damage to another’s property), a case related to participation in “radical” Telegram chats.
On 19 July 2021, he was sentenced to 8 years of imprisonment in a reinforced regime colony.
Evangelical and Non-Denominational Christians
Daniil Bandaruk
An Evangelical Christian. Born: 6 May 2000.
Imprisoned: Penal Colony No. 2, Sikorski str. 1, Babrujsk 213800, Belarus.
He was detained on 22 August 2020 under Part 2 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code (Participation in mass riots), Part 1 of Article 339 of the Criminal Code (Hooliganism), in the “Brest case.”
He was arrested along with his cousin Mark Solonikov, who is also an Evangelical Christian.
He was sentence for 5 years of imprisonment in a reinforced regime colony.
Andrei Budai
Evangelical Christian and father of many children. Born: 23 March 1978.
Imprisoned: Penal Colony No. 2, Sikorski str. 1, Babrujsk 213800, Belarus.
He was detained on 5 July 2021 under Part 2 of Article 339 of the Criminal Code (Hooliganism) for dismantling surveillance cameras. The case was reclassified under four other articles of the Criminal Code: Article 130 (Incitement of racial, national, religious, or other social hatred or discord), Article 290-4 (Creation of an organization for the purpose of terrorist activities or participation in it), Article 359 (Act of terrorism against a state or public figure), and Article 361 (Calls for restrictive measures (sanctions) or other actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus). He has been added to the KGB’s “terrorist list.”
Andrei was suspected of participating in the “Busly lyatsyats” (Storks are flying) initiative. Some episodes of the criminal case are related to damage to a judge’s car in the Barysau district in March 2021 and a window in an apartment where “a Minsk prosecutor’s employee lives with a young child” in April 2021.
On 28 September 2022, the trial of Andrei Budai and other defendants in the case ended. Budai was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment in a reinforced regime colony and a fine of 500 base units. The case was heard in the Minsk City Court (Judge Anastasia Papko) over four months in closed session. The prosecution was supported by Prosecutor Yulia Laneuskaya.
Zmitser Dashkevich
Evangelical Christian, member of the “John the Baptist” church, activist, former chairman of the “Young Front” organization, and defender of Kurapaty. Previously he has already served his term as a political prisoner. Father of four young children. Born: 20 July 1981.
Imprisoned: Penal Colony No. 14, vul. Mira, 1A, s.n.p. Navasady, Minsk region, 222125, Belarus.
He was detained on 23 April 2022 after a search of his apartment. Initially arrested for 15 days under an administrative article, then re-arrested under a criminal article: Art. 342 of the Criminal Code (Group actions grossly violating public order) for participating in a peaceful protest on 23 August 2020.
On 14 July 2022, he was sentenced to one and a half years of imprisonment. Along with Dashkevich, his wife, Anastasiya Dashkevich, was also convicted in the same criminal case, sentenced to three years of “home chemistry.”
He was supposed to be released on 11 July 2023, but was re-arrested under Art. 411 (Malicious disobedience to the requirements of the administration of a correctional institution serving a sentence of imprisonment).
On 19 October 2023, Judge Tatsiana Dzeravianka decided to add another year of strict regime to Dzmitry Dashkevich’s sentence.
On 30 September 2024, Judge Anastasiya Kulik convicted Dashkevich to an additional year and three months of imprisonment under Art. 411 and a new Criminal case under Art. 342.
Mikalai Dziadok
Non-denominational Christian, activist of Anarchist movement. Previously he has already served his term as a political prisoner. Born: 23 August 1988.
Imprisoned: Prison No. 1, Kirava str. 1, Hrodna, 230023, Belarus.
He was detained on 11 November 2020 under Art. 342 (Organization and preparation of actions grossly violating public order), Art. 361 (Calls for actions aimed at harming national security), Art. 295-3 (Illegal actions with items whose damaging effect is based on the use of combustible substances).
He was subjected to torture.
He was sentenced for 5 years of imprisonment in a general regime colony. Since 10 March 2022, he has refused to work in the colony in protest against the deprivation of his correspondence and the persecution of those convicted who communicate with the political prisoner.
Aliaksandr Liubianchuk
An Evangelical Christian, journalist. Born: 1 September.
Imprisoned: Penal Colony No. 15, Slauharadskaje highway 183, Viejna 212013, Mahilioŭ region, Belarus.
He was detained 26 May 2022 from the village of Kryviči, Ivje district, after a search. He was charged under Part 3 of Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code (Creation of an extremist formation or participation in it).
On 27 October 2022, Minsk City Court found him guilty and sentenced him to three years of imprisonment in a general regime colony. Soon, the political prisoner was transferred from detention center No. 1 to Zhodzina Investigation Prison No. 8, and then to Mahilioŭ Prison No. 4.
Uladzimir Matskevich
Reformed Christian, a Christian intellectual, philosopher, politician. Born: 14 May 1956.
Imprisoned: Prison No. 4, Krupskaj str. 99A, Mahilioŭ, 212011, Belarus.
He was detained on 4 August 2021 under Article 342 of the Criminal Code (Organization and preparation of actions grossly violating public order, or active participation in them). He went on hunger strike from 4 to 17 February 2022. He was charged under Article 342 of the Criminal Code — Organization and preparation of actions grossly violating public order, or active participation in them; Article 368 of the Criminal Code — Insulting the President of the Republic of Belarus; Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code — Creation of an extremist formation or participation in it.
On 23 June 2022, a sentence of five years of imprisonment in a reinforced regime colony was handed down.
“Christian Vision”:
Statement on the hunger strike of Christian intellectual Uladzimir Matskevich, dated 8 February 2022.
Eduard Palchys
Evangelical Christian, member of the church “John the Baptist” in Minsk, blogger. Born: 28 October 1990.
Imprisoned: Prison No. 4, Krupskaj str. 99A, Mahilioŭ, 212011, Belarus.
He was detained on 27 September 2020. He was charged under Part 1 of Article 293 (Organization of mass riots), Article 342 (Actions that disrupt public order), Article 361 (Calls for actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus), Article 130 (Incitement of hatred) of the Criminal Code.
He was sentenced to 13 years of imprisonment in a reinforced regime colony.
On 11 August 2022 he got 3 years of prison regime.
Pavel Petruchenia
Evangelical Christian from Brest. Born: 25 September 1988.
Imprisoned: Penal Colony No. 15, Slauharadskaje highway 183, Viejna 212013, Mahilioŭ region, Belarus.
He was detained on 13 December 2022 under Part 3 of Article 130 of the Criminal Code — Incitement of hatred or discord, accused in the “Black Book of Belarus” case.
After the detention, pro-government channels released “penitential videos” in which Pavel says that he worked in the Security Department until 2018, and was detained for transferring personal data of Security Department employees to the “Black Book of Belarus.” He took the data from a telephone directory.
In the Brest Regional Court on 2 June 2023, Judge Mikalai Senko found Petruchenia guilty and sentenced him to 6 years of imprisonment in a reinforced regime colony.
