Belarusian opposition figure sentenced to 18 years at high-security penal colony

The husband of the Belarusian opposition leader has been jailed for 18 years at a high-security penal colony

The sentence follows a trial that largely took place behind closed doors, with the individual convicted of “organising mass riots” and inciting social hostility.

The verdict can be appealed within 10 days, with critics saying the convictions were politically motivated.

Three others were also sent to prison for similar charges, and will spend more than a decade behind bars.

The husband of the opposition leader was arrested back in 2020 after declaring his own candidacy for president… with his wife standing in his place as a result.

She went on to lose to current leader Alexander Lukashenko and claimed the result was rigged through the use of ballot stuffing and other corrupt measures.