Nikolai, a former village council member, was detained on January 14, 2021. His home had been searched earlier, on January 6. Investigators were looking for "extremism and symbols," but found nothing. The search warrant stated that Nikolai had made "unflattering" remarks about the All-Belarusian People's Assembly.
The basis for his arrest was his letter to the regional newspaper "Mayak" regarding a discussion of constitutional amendments. His actions were initially classified as inciting social discord, and the regional newspaper published a critical article. The charges were later reclassified.
In June 2022, Nikolai was found guilty of "discrediting the Republic of Belarus" and sentenced to imprisonment in a penal colony.
He was released on June 28, 2022, having fully served his sentence.
