Two Belarusians Given Five-Year Jail Terms For $75 Donation To Countrymen Defending Ukraine

A shoulder patch of the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment

The Vyasna human rights center said on January 30 that a court in Minsk sentenced two activists to five years in prison each in two separate cases last month for financially supporting the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment made up of Belarusians that is fighting with Ukrainian forces against Russian invaders. Heorhiy Charavaka was sentenced for sending $21.29 to the regiment via PayPal, while Alyaksey Shvyatsou was convicted for wiring 35 euros and 13.63 euros (a sum of $52.7) to the military unit. After Charavaka was arrested in August 2023, Vyasna recognized him as a political prisoner. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Belarus Service, click here.