Accessibility links

Breaking News

Prosecutors Say No Probe Into Belarus Activist's Suicide


Yana Palyakova had vowed to "never be a convict."
Yana Palyakova had vowed to "never be a convict."
SALIHORSK -- Local prosecutors in Belarus say they do not plan any further investigation into the apparent suicide of prominent Belarusian human rights activist Yana Palyakova.

A spokesperson for the Salihorsk prosecutor's office told RFE/RL's Belarus Service that the investigation has ended and that there is no evidence that Palyakova was driven to suicide by her conviction in court.

The 33-year-old Palyakova hanged herself on March 7, shortly after being found guilty of libeling a policeman who she claimed had harassed her while she was in detention.

She told friends on March 3, after her verdict was pronounced, that she would never be a convict.

Colleagues and relatives say Palyakova was driven to suicide by her treatment and demanded an investigation into her death.
XS
SM
MD
LG