Journalist Detained in Belarus Amid Political Crackdown

Belarusian journalist and political commentator Ihar Ilyash has been detained, according to the Vyasna human rights group. Ilyash's arrest was publicized through pro-government Telegram channels, which shared a photo of him in handcuffs on October 22, although no further details about his detention were provided. Known for his commentary on Belarusian-Russian relations, Ilyash recently spoke to Dozhd television about the growing pressure on Belarus to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He suggested that Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka is resisting direct involvement in the war in Ukraine but is facing mounting Kremlin demands. Ilyash’s wife, journalist Katsyaryna Andreyeva, has been imprisoned since 2020 for covering protests in Belarus. Initially sentenced to two years, she was later given an additional eight-year sentence on treason charges. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Belarus Service, click here.