According to reports, a Belarusian court has sentenced the main opposition leader, Sviantiana Tsikhanouskaya to 15 years in prison, another prominent member of the opposition, former Belarusian culture minister Pavel Latushko to 18 years, and two others to 12 years, all in absentia. Reportedly, Ms Tsikhanouskaya, a former English teacher fled Belarus after running against president Alexander Lukashenko in the 2020 election. According to the report, she stood in the election when her husband, activist and presidential candidate Sergei Tikhanovski was taken into custody, he was given an 18 year prison sentence.
Reportedly, Ms Tsikhanouskaya claimed victory in the presidential election contrary to official results, which was followed by ten months of public protests, demonstrations and riots. According to a report, her charges included high treason and conspiracy to seize power. Reportedly, Viasna a Belarusian human rights organisation said there are 1,500 political prisoners currently being held in Belarus. According to the report, days ago Ales Bialiatski, an activist for Belarusian freedom known for his work with Viasna was given a ten year sentence for financing actions and groups that grossly violate public order.