A court in Gomel, a southeastern city in Belarus, sentenced journalist Larysa Schchyrakova to 3.5 years in prison and a fine of 3,700 rubles (US$1465) on charges of violating Article 369 and parts 1 and 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code. These charges relate to the public insult of a government official in connection with the performance of their duties and promoting “extremist” activities.
The charges stem from Schchyrakova’s work with the banned human rights group Gomelskaya Viasna, where she was accused of posting and amassing “false information.” Court documents indicate that she also provided this content to Belsat TV, a Polish independent broadcaster. Belarusian authorities maintain that her intention was to “destabilize Belarus” during the rash of anti-government protests against Lukashenko.
As a freelancer for Belsat TV from 2007 to 2022, Schchyrakova saw her home searched and faced detention multiple times. In February, she announced her departure from journalism as a result of consistent harassment, fines, and detentions from the government. During one such detention, her son was removed from school and placed in a youth centre.
Despite facing a significant prison sentence, Schchyrakova has no plans to appeal the conviction. She is currently working as a photographer, documenting Belarusian cultural practices.
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