Investigators file criminal charges against exiled startup hub manager

May 3, Pozirk. The Belarusian Investigative Committee filed nine criminal charges under special proceedings against exiled Taćciana Marynič, head of the Imaguru startup hub, and her associate Anastasija Chamiankova, its website says.
Charges against them range from inciting hatred and calling for sanctions to association with an extremist group and plotting to seize state power.
Special proceedings target those living abroad and evading contact with investigators, allowing authorities to persecute exiled opponents and try them in their absence.
In August 2023, the Committee for State Security (KGB) branded Imaguru an extremist group, listing Andrej Novak and Kaciaryna Boulton-Smith along with Marynič and Chamiankova as members.
A few months later, Chamainkova accompanied Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja on a visit to Portugal.
Founded in Minsk in 2023, Imaguru used to be one of the most popular meeting platforms for businesspeople, startups and investors in Minsk.
In May 2021, it moved to Madrid and set up branches in Warsaw and Vilnius after Belarusian authorities had evicted the company from its Minsk office.
KGB brands startup hub, human rights group as extremist organizations
- EconomyOver 28 percent report falling income – pollThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBEROC predicts Belarusian economy to cool in medium termThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyPotato prices drop nearly 5 percent after months of sharp increasesThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, Security, SocietyŁukašenka signs edict on fall draftThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SocietyPoland to deport six Belarusians after rapper’s gig – TuskThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyCentral bank justifies current refinance rate. No plans to tighten monetary policyThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyBus companies suspend numerous routes between Minsk, VilniusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- PoliticsProsecutors revise upward victim count at Traścianiec death campThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsCichanoŭskaja praises jailed politician Statkievič’s dedication to justice on his birthdayThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyŁukašenka: banks should not have “extra” moneyThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsPakistan's military delegation visiting BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsDefense official accuses West of fueling tensions ahead of Zapad drillThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics
- PoliticsExiled politician calls on opposition to leverage Trump-Putin talksThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsAmnesty International gathers some 2,000 signatures on petition for Belarusians in PolandThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsMinsk urges EU to restore good relationsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SocietyWarsaw threatens to deport troublemakers after Belarusian rapper’s gigThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyMAZ sells only two buses in Russia in JulyThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, PoliticsEight non-EU nations align with EU sanctions on BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+