Human Rights Defender Nasta Loika Was Sentenced to 7 Years in a Penal Colony

The Minsk City Court has issued a verdict in the case of Nasta Loika, a human rights defender and political prisoner. She has been sentenced to seven years in prison under Part 3 of Article 130 of the Criminal Code (inciting social hatred). The charges stem from her preparation of the report titled "Persecution of Anarchists, Anti-fascists, Leftists, and Public Activists in Belarus" covering the period from 2017 to August 2018. The report is said to contain a critical assessment of the actions of law enforcement officers.

Due to the trial being held in closed-door proceedings, specific details and Nasta's position remain unknown. The verdict was delivered by Judge Alyona Shilko, while Olga Dindelevich supported the prosecution on behalf of the state.