Belarusian priest sentenced to 11 years for criticizing government ahead of election.

A Catholic priest in Belarus, Rev. Henrykh Akalatovich, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for criticizing the government, charged with high treason. This marks the first political case against a Catholic clergy member since Belarus gained independence in 1991. The sentence comes amid a crackdown on dissent ahead of the January presidential election, expected to secure another term for authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. The priest is among 1,265 listed political prisoners by the Viasna Human Rights Center.

3 months ago
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