Aliaksandr Kirkevich

Affiliated media: Freelance journalist

Incident date: August 2, 2024

Attack type:

• arrest in absentia

Who attacked: Authorities

Source: Belarusian Association of Journalists

Location: Belarus, Hrodna

Additional information:

The Hrodna Regional Court sentenced the journalist Ales (Aliaksandr) Kirkevich in absentia — 7 years of imprisonment in a penal colony under high security regime, a fine of BYN 24,000 and seizure of property. The journalist was accused of «promotion of extremist activity» (Part 1 and 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code the Republic of Belarus). The case was considered by judge Yury Kazakevich. It became known from the verdict that Ales Kirkevich was tried for the interview to Radio Svaboda and TV channel Belsat. To date, the journalist lives in exile, he left Belarus, fearing politically motivated persecution.