Interpol checking grounds for persecution of Belarusian cinematographer facing extradition in Serbia

February 29, Pozirk. Interpol is checking grounds for the placement of Belarusian cinematographer Andrej Hniot on the international wanted list, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported.

Hniot, a director of TV commercials and music videos, was arrested in late October 2023 upon his arrival in Serbia, the BelPol resistance group said.

His lawyer argues that persecution is politically motivated and that the economic charges leveled against Hniot are just a pretext used by the prosecutor to secure his extradition.

The filmmaker may be targeted for making videos for the Free Association of Belarusian Athletes blacklisted as an “extremist” group in Belarus, BelPol added.

Minsk prosecutor Anton Zaharoŭski issued the arrest warrant a year ago, it said, noting that the European Union sanctioned the prosecutor as far back as 2011 for reprisals against Belarusian opposition activists.

Hniot’s extradition proceedings may already be underway, BelPol said.

The team of Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja is monitoring the situation and seeking Hniot’s release, her legal adviser Kryścina Rychter told Pozirk earlier this month.

Eight foreign diplomats set up an informal support group following the team’s appeal for assistance to the United States and EU ambassadors accredited in Belgrade, she noted.