Belarusian Court Hands Lengthy Prison Sentences to Two Independent Journalists

A Belarusian court has sentenced two independent journalists to lengthy prison terms, drawing strong condemnation from international press freedom organisations that say the case reflects the continuing crackdown on independent media in the country.

On 26 February 2026, the Brest Regional Court convicted journalists Uladzimir Yanukevich and Andrei Pakalenka on charges of “high treason,” sentencing them to 14 and 12 years in prison, respectively. The proceedings were held behind closed doors, and authorities have not publicly disclosed detailed evidence supporting the charges.

Yanukevich, 65, is the founder and former editor of the independent newspaper Intex-Press, while Pakalenka, 44, served as a colleague and editor associated with the outlet’s successor platform, BAR24. Both publications had previously gained significant readership in Belarus but faced increasing pressure from authorities, including being blocked or labelled “extremist” under national law.

According to reports by media rights groups, the trial began on 3 February and was conducted entirely in closed session. Observers were not permitted to attend, and the precise nature of the accusations remains unclear. In addition to the prison sentences, the court imposed heavy financial penalties. Yanukevich was reportedly fined roughly $46,750, while Pakalenka was ordered to pay about $15,580, along with additional compensation to the state.

International organisations have strongly criticised the verdicts. The International Press Institute (IPI) described the rulings as part of an escalating campaign against independent journalism in Belarus and called for the immediate release of the two reporters. Press freedom advocates say the case highlights the authorities’ continued use of politically motivated charges to silence critical media voices.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also condemned the sentences, arguing that Belarusian authorities are systematically targeting journalists with severe prison terms and financial penalties in an effort to deter independent reporting. CPJ urged the government to overturn the convictions and end the persecution of journalists.

Rights groups say the case fits into a broader pattern of repression that has intensified since the disputed 2020 presidential election, after which authorities moved to dismantle independent media outlets and prosecute reporters under charges ranging from extremism to treason.

Media advocacy networks warn that the heavy sentences against Yanukevich and Pakalenka demonstrate the increasingly dangerous environment for journalists in Belarus and underscore ongoing concerns about the country’s deteriorating press freedom landscape.

Reference –

https://ifex.org/two-journalists-handed-draconian-prison-sentences-on-politically-motivated-charges/

https://cpj.org/2026/03/belarusian-court-sentences-2-journalists-to-14-12-years-in-prison-heavy-fines/amp/

Belarus: IPI condemns new prison sentences for two Intex Press journalists