MINSK – Roman Protasevich, the founder of opposition media outlet Nexta, was sentenced to 14 years in prison by the authorities in Belarus. He was charged with several offenses, including inciting terrorism, defaming the president, and plotting against the state, in a trial that has been denounced as a “disregard for justice” by the country’s opposition and international community.
Protasevich, whose participation in mass protests against President Alexander Lukashenko was widely spread through Nexta’s Telegram channel, was arrested in May 2021 after a Ryanair flight he was on was forced to land in Minsk by Belarusian authorities. The incident caused an international uproar and resulted in the imposition of sanctions on Belarus by the European Union.
Protasevich’s girlfriend Sofia Sapega, who was also on the plane when it was diverted, was sentenced to six years in prison, but she will serve her sentence in Russia. Additionally, several other Nexta employees have been convicted in absentia.
The speed with which Protasevich’s trial was expedited, the lack of foreign observers present, and his confessions, which critics allege were made under duress, were some of the main concerns raised regarding the legality of the trial.
The case has underscored the authoritarian rule of Lukashenko, who recently won his seventh term in dubious elections and continues to clamp down on dissent. The sentencing of Protasevich sends a chilling message to other journalists and activists in Belarus who dare to challenge the regime.
The international community, including the United States, has called for Protasevich’s release. The EU has indicated that sanctions against Belarus may be tightened following the verdict.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Roman Protasevich to 14 years in prison by Belarus is a clear indication of the authoritarian regime’s crackdown on any form of dissent. The trial’s lack of transparency and Protasevich’s confession under duress call into question the legitimacy of the verdict. The international community must continue to pressure Belarus to release Protasevich and uphold the rule of law.
