The Christian Vision Telegram channel said on April 18 that preacher, poet, and father of seven Syarhey Melyanets had fled Belarus after serving two administrative arrests of 13 and 12 days on unspecified charges amid an ongoing crackdown on civil society by the government of authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Melyanets is known for attending the trials of activists who face politically motivated charges in Minsk and publishing articles about them on Facebook. His supporters were concerned about his situation after he was not released after serving his first jail term in early April and was handed another term instead. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Belarus Service, click here.
Christian Preacher Flees Belarus After Serving 2 Administrative Arrests
Belarusian preacher Syarhey Melyanets (file photo)