Belarusian Activist/Journalist Protasevich Receives 8-Year Jail Sentence

Roman Protasevich, a dissident journalist and former editor of opposition Telegram account Nexta, has been sentenced to eight years in prison by Belarusian authorities. Protasevich was accused of committing at least 1,586 crimes, including organising mass riots and calling for sanctions against Belarus. The circumstances of his arrest, which involved the forced landing of a plane, prompted outrage and triggered European Union sanctions against President Alexander Lukashenko. Two others behind the Nexta channel were sentenced in absentia to 20 years and 19 years in prison, respectively. Human rights groups estimate there are now 1,500 "political prisoners" in Belarus.