Uladzimir Khilmanovich

Affiliated media: Belaruskae Radio Racyja, Freelance journalist

Incident date: August 19, 2024

Attack type:

• Court trial

Who attacked: Authorities

Source: Belarusian Association of Journalists

Location: Belarus, Hrodna

Additional information:

The journalist Uladzimir Khilmanovich was sentenced in absentia to seven years of imprisonment in a penal colony under a reinforced regime and a fine of 1,000 base amounts (BYN 40,000). The case was considered by the Hrodna Regional Court in the order of special proceedings. Judge Ihar Sobaleu found Khilmanovich guilty of promoting extremist activity (Part 1 and Part 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus) and participation in an extremist formation (Part 3 of Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus). According to the verdict, the seized property, including the journalist's flat in Hrodna and household appliances, will be sold to compensate for the monetary penalties imposed by the court. The money in the amount of EUR 100.12, seized by the investigators during the search, will be used for the same purpose. The term of serving the sentence will be calculated from the day of his actual detention. The journalist is currently abroad.