Top Wikipedia editor arrested in Belarus

The nation’s organised crime and corruption unit detained prominent Wikipedia editor, Mark Bernstein, who is one of Wikipedia’s top 50 Russian editors.

It’s understood the editor’s personal information was shared on a public Telegram channel, including his social media, Wikipedia handle, and place of work.

A video of Bernstein’s arrest has been posted alongside his photo and personal details.

He is accused of “distributing fake anti-Russian information.” His channel has since been made private and blocked indefinitely.

It’s believed the man has made over 200-thousand edits to Russian Wikipedia articles. 

In the Russian Wikipedia channel on Telegram, users in Belarus and Russia were also advised to hide personal data and to only edit articles about the war from other accounts.

Belarus has offered logistical support throughout the Russian invasion of Ukraine, serving as a staging area for units moving towards the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.