Five Belarusians have gone on trial for allegedly plotting a would-be terrorist act on May 9, 2023, that prosecutors say involved guidance from Ukraine. Judge Syarhey Khrypach of the Minsk City Court started the trial behind closed doors of Valer Vodzin, Andrey Hryhoryeu, Hanna Savachkina, Tatsyana Rusak, and Viktoria Vouchak on July 26. The defendants are charged with high treason, terrorism, participating in a military conflict abroad or recruiting for such activities, illegal use of explosives and ammunition, creating an extremist group, and the illegal smuggling of explosives. If found guilty, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison. Because the trial has been closed, it is not known how the defendants pleaded. Prior to the trial, they were not able to comment publicly on the charges. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Belarus Service, click here.
Five Belarusians Accused Of Plotting Terrorist Act Directed By Kyiv
Viktoria Vouchak (upper left to right) and Valer Vodzin, and Hanna Savachkina (lower left to right), Tatsyana Rusak, and Andrey Hryhoryeu (combo photo)