New criminal case started against “Salidarnast” lawyer in Belarus

The Investigative Committee of Belarus has initiated yet another case against the “Salidarnast” lawyer and a former political prisoner Leanid Sudalenka. He is charged under Article 361-4 of the country’s Criminal Code — “aiding and abetting extremist activities”.

Leanid Sudalenka, the “Salidarnast” lawyer

Sudalenka, currently residing abroad, says he has learnt about the new case from his relatives. He believes it is about the part of the Article that concerns a repeated offence which could mean an extra seven years of prison for him.

“I have already been convicted under this Article which means that this time I’ll be treated as a repeated offender” said Sudalenka in his interview to “Radio Svaboda”.

According to the human rights defender, investigators visited the Babovichi village, his official place of residence, the day before and put on record the fact of his absence at his place of registration. Sudalenka says that he has learnt about the visit from his mother-in-law.

The former political prisoner believes that he is prosecuted for the public statements he has been making about the situation of human rights in Belarus:

“I shall continue my work on the international arena and I shall continue calling upon the whole world to oppose the regime that violates the rights and freedoms of the Belarusians. They want to add another 7 years to my 5-year term, and then up to 30 years more – it is possible in Belarus – but that’s not going to stop me because what I believe in is the truth.”.

Earlier, in 2024, the Belarusian authorities already sentenced Leanid Sudalenka, in absentia, to five year in prison for similar offences. Despite his relocation to Lithuania, the Belarusian security agencies continue prosecuting him.”.

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