Belarusian Activist On Trial For Helping Families Of Political Prisoners

The Mahilyou regional court in southeastern Belarus on July 22 began the trial of activist Alesya Serheyenka for allegedly facilitating extremist activities. The charge stems from her participation in the INeedHelpBY initiative that assisted families of political prisoners with money and food while their loved ones were behind bars. If convicted, the 40-year-old activist faces up to seven years in prison. Serheyenka was arrested in January, one month before her husband, Maksim, was released after serving three years in prison on a charge of insulting senior officials, including the country's authoritarian ruler, Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Human rights defenders recognized Maksim Serheyenka as a political prisoner. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Belarus Service, click here.