Political persecutions

Ilya was arrested in the spring of 2021 in connection with a criminal case opened under the articles "violence or threat against an official performing official duties or another person performing a public duty" and "inciting hostility or discord." In October of that year, he was convicted for comments he left on social media.

On September 11, 2025, it was announced that 52 prisoners of the Belarusian regime had been forcibly transferred to Lithuania, including citizens of European countries. Ilya was among those released.

Sergei was convicted of "participating in group actions that grossly violate public order" in a criminal case opened after a protest that took place in Brest on September 13, 2020. During the protest, people sang and danced in circles, and a water cannon was used against them.

The Belarusian philosopher and methodologist, public and political activist, and founder of the Flying University was detained on August 4, 2021, following a search of his home as part of a criminal investigation. He was ultimately charged with three offenses: "active participation in group actions that grossly violate public order" for participating in the "People's Ultimatum March" on October 25, 2020; "creation of an extremist group" for the "Skhod" platform; and "insulting Lukashenko" for a video posted on his YouTube channel.

In June 2022, Vladimir was found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment in a penal colony.

On February 13, 2023, the court considered the issue of changing Vladimir's detention regime, as a result of which he was transferred to a prison regime.

On September 11, 2025, it was announced that 52 political prisoners of the Belarusian regime, including citizens of European countries, had been forcibly transferred to Lithuania. Vladimir was among those released.

Pavel had previously been subjected to political persecution. In 2008, he was implicated in the so-called "Case of the Fourteen," initiated for participating in a business rally, and was sentenced to two years of restricted freedom without a prison sentence. Since 2010, Pavel has been an activist for the "Tell the Truth" campaign.

Following a protest against election fraud, he was arrested on January 5, 2011. He was accused of organizing and participating in mass riots, as well as desecrating state symbols. In May 2011, the court sentenced him to four years in a maximum-security penal colony. That fall, Pavel was released under a pardon.

Pavel was arrested again on December 22, 2021, at his home in Berezino, in connection with a criminal case opened under charges of "inciting social discord," "defamation of Lukashenko," and "organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate public order, or active participation in them." In March 2022, he was sentenced to imprisonment.

In December 2023, Pavel's detention conditions were tightened and he was transferred to a prison regime.

On September 11, 2025, it was announced that 52 prisoners of the Belarusian regime had been forcibly transferred to Lithuania, including citizens of European countries. Pavel was among those released.

Natalia was convicted of "participating in group actions grossly violating public order" in a criminal case opened following a protest that took place in Brest on September 13, 2020. During the protest, people were singing and dancing in circles, and a water cannon was used against them.

Natalia managed to leave the country before the sentence came into force.

In January 2025, as part of a special proceeding in Natalia's case, a hearing was held in absentia to consider replacing her restriction of freedom with a prison sentence in a penal colony. The outcome of the hearing is unknown.

Konstantin was convicted of “participating in group actions that grossly violate public order” in a criminal case opened after a protest that took place in Brest on September 13, 2020. During the protest, people sang and danced in circles, and a water cannon was used against them.

Andrey was convicted of "participating in group actions that grossly violate public order" in a criminal case opened after a protest that took place in Brest on September 13, 2020. During the protest, people sang and danced in circles, and a water cannon was used against them.

Andrei, a blogger and official DJ for the Belarusian punk rock band Dai Darogu!, was convicted of "participating in group actions that grossly violate public order" in a criminal case opened following a protest that took place in Brest on September 13, 2020. During the protest, people sang and danced in circles, and a water cannon was used against them.

Andrei managed to leave the country before the sentence came into force.

In January 2025, as part of a special proceeding in Andrei's case, a hearing in absentia was held to consider replacing the restriction of freedom with a prison sentence in a penal colony. The outcome of the hearing is unknown.

Darya was convicted of "participating in group actions that grossly violate public order" in a criminal case opened after a protest that took place in Brest on September 13, 2020. During the protest, people sang and danced in circles, and a water cannon was used against them.

Tatyana was convicted of "participating in group actions that grossly violate public order" in a criminal case opened after a protest that took place in Brest on September 13, 2020. During the protest, people sang and danced in circles, and a water cannon was used against them.

Alexey was convicted of “participating in group actions that grossly violate public order” in a criminal case opened after a protest that took place in Brest on September 13, 2020. During the protest, people sang and danced in circles, and a water cannon was used against them.

Elina was convicted of unfurling a banner reading, "While there is lawlessness in the country, resistance is our duty," blocking traffic.

Left Belarus.

In February 2025, as part of a special proceeding in Elina's case, a hearing was held in absentia to consider replacing the restriction of freedom with a prison sentence in a penal colony. The outcome of the hearing is unknown.

Andrei was convicted for the events that took place on August 9, 2020, in Zhlobin. The investigation was prompted by published photos and videos from the protest. According to the prosecution, he participated in mass events in clear disobedience to authorities and obstructed traffic.

In July 2021, Yuri was found guilty of leaving a derogatory comment under a video of Gomel Regional Executive Committee Chairman Solovey answering citizens' questions on August 16, 2020.

On January 5, 2021, he was transferred to home confinement as part of a pardon.

In July 2021, Tatyana was convicted of "insulting a government official" for posting a video on social media containing verbal obscenities directed at traffic police officers, which was viewed by at least 120,000 people.