Belarusian filmmaker under house arrest in Serbia

June 6, Pozirk. Belarusian filmmaker Andrej Hniot has been transferred from a prison in Belgrade to house arrest, Julija Haračaja, spokeswoman for the Warsaw-based Belarusian opposition, has told Pozirk, noting that a battle against his extradition continues.

She noted a “tremendous contribution” by the Polish foreign ministry.

Haračaja said Hniot was weakened by more than seven months in complete isolation without proper medical care, noting that efforts continue to prevent his extradition to Belarus, where he may face politically-motivated persecution.

“We continue to fight as long as we have enough strength and as long as it takes for the fate of Andrej Hniot and all Belarusians who suffer from [Alaksandar] Łukašenka’s regime,” opposition politician Pavieł Łatuška said in a video address, commenting on the news.

Hniot is known as a director of TV commercials and music videos. He engaged in video production for the SOS.by association, which Belarusian police branded an extremist group.

He has also cooperated with Russia’s Current Time television network.

Serbian border guards arrested him in October 2023 because Belarus put him on an international wanted list.

On March 12, an appellate court in Belgrade overruled the decision to extradite him to Belarus but a final decision has not yet been made.

Also read: Belarusian director Andrej Hniot said to face medical neglect in Serbian prison