Arrested: protest leader sentenced to 11 years behind bars

As the widespread crackdown on government critics continues in Belarus, a Belarusian court has sentenced a prominent protestor to 11 years imprisonment

Maria Kolesnikova was charged with extremism and conspiring to seize state power, with the trial conducted in Minsk behind closed doors.

Maria was one of three women who coordinated protests during last year’s presidential election after prominent presidential candidates were prevented from running against the current leader,  Lukashenko.

The three women became the faces of the anti-government movement, with tens of thousands of Belarusians flooding the streets demanding change.

Anti-government protestors allege that the country’s election was rigged to ensure that  Lukashenko’s 27-year reign as leader would continue.

President  Lukashenko has denied any wrongdoing but is subject to sanctions imposed by several nations including the US.