Belarus Catholic priest sentenced to 11 years amid ongoing dissent suppression

Politics

1 year ago

News sources:

Credited from: APNEWS

A Catholic priest, Rev. Henrykh Akalatovich, was sentenced to 11 years for high treason, marking the first such case against clergy in Belarus since independence.
The conviction comes as authorities intensify a crackdown on dissent ahead of the January 26 presidential election, likely ensuring President Alexander Lukashenko's continued rule.
The Viasna Human Rights Center reports Akalatovich as among 1,265 political prisoners, highlighting the harsh implications of his sentence on fellow clergy.
Since November 2023, Akalatovich has been in custody, facing neglect and poor conditions; he is also battling cancer.
Historically, religious leaders in Belarus have faced targeting for their opposition to government actions, particularly since the disputed 2020 election.