Oppositionist Viktor Babariko was sentenced to 14 years in a prison camp in Belarus. The trial against the prominent opponent of the ruler Lukashenko is internationally criticized as a political staging.
More than a year after his arrest, the prominent opposition activist Viktor Babariko was sentenced to 14 years in a prison camp in Belarus. The Supreme Court in the capital Minsk sentenced the 57-year-old on Tuesday for alleged money laundering, bribery and tax evasion. Babariko had denied the allegations. His trial is internationally criticized as a political staging in order to silence him.
More than 400 political prisoners in Belarus
Babariko was considered the most promising opponent of the ruler Alexander Lukashenko last year before the presidential election, but was arrested. The former banker is considered one of more than 400 political prisoners in the ex-Soviet republic. He and his son were arrested on June 18, 2020 on the way to the Central Electoral Commission when he was about to hand over signatures for his candidacy. Lukashenko had openly called on the authorities to take action against his challenger. Prosecutors had asked Babariko to be imprisoned for 15 years.
After the presidential election on August 9, there were mass protests for months against Lukashenko, who had been criticized as the “last dictator of Europe”. Tens of thousands of people were temporarily arrested, hundreds injured and several killed. The EU no longer recognizes Lukashenko as president and has imposed numerous sanctions on the power apparatus because of the brutal action against those who think differently.
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
