Trade union leader Antusievič released from prison

November 2, Pozirk. Siarhiej Antusievič, a former deputy chairman of now defunct Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BCDTU), has left prison, Naša Niva reported.

Iryna But-Husajim, a BCDTU member, was released in early May, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported.

On December 26, the Minsk City Court sentenced BCDTU Chairman Alaksandr Jarašuk to four years in prison; Antusievič, to two years; and accountant But-Husajim, to 18 months. All three were found guilty of organization of/active participation in group actions grossly disturbing public order in connection with protests that followed the 2020 disputed presidential election. Jarašuk was also convicted of calling for sanctions.

The unionists have been held in detention since April 19, 2022. Time spent in pre-trial detention was counted toward their prison term.

The Supreme Court closed down the BCDTU in July 2022.