Story perspectives

Belarus Sentences Journalists Amid Ongoing Dissent Crackdown

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Belarusian court sentenced independent journalists Uladzimir Yanukevich to 14 years and Andrei Pakalenka to 12 years on treason charges.
The proceedings were held in secret as part of a broad crackdown on dissent under President Alexander Lukashenko.
The Belarusian Association of Journalists reported that 28 independent journalists are imprisoned.
Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya condemned the sentences.
The government continues to suppress dissent, with 1,143 political prisoners reported.

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Story summary

A Belarusian court sentenced independent journalists Uladzimir Yanukevich to 14 years and Andrei Pakalenka to 12 years on treason charges.
The proceedings were held in secret as part of a broad crackdown on dissent under President Alexander Lukashenko.
The Belarusian Association of Journalists reported that 28 independent journalists are imprisoned.
Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya condemned the sentences.
The government continues to suppress dissent, with 1,143 political prisoners reported.