Aliaksei Shyshkavets was detained on March 2 in Asipovičy. The man, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, “joined the extremist formation BYPOL, having authorized a mobilization chat-bot to commit unlawful acts in Belarus”. On March 1, he allegedly received instructions to block the railroad tracks and to prepare and use "Molotov cocktails," while expressing "an active willingness to contribute to sabotaging near Asipovičy in order to prevent transporting military equipment.

In this connection, he was accused of participation in an extremist formation with the purpose of committing extremist crimes (Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code).

In September 2022, the KGB put Shyshkavets on the list of persons involved in terrorist activities.

On October 12, 2022, the Mahilioŭ Regional Court passed a verdict in the criminal case of the political prisoner. Aliaksei Shyshkavets was convicted of ‘terrorism’ and ‘participation in hostilities on foreign soil’ under Article 289 Part 3 of Article 361 of the Criminal Code. Judge Siarhei Mazurau sentenced the political prisoner to 11 years of imprisonment in a medium-security penal colony.

“Rail guerilla” Aliaksei Shyshkavets sentenced to 11 years in jail

On October 12, 2022, the Mahilioŭ Regional Court passed a verdict in the criminal case of political prisoner Aliaksei Shyshkavets Asipovičy accused of ‘terrorism’ and ‘participation in hostilities on foreign soil’ under Article 289 Part 3 of Article 361 of the Criminal Code.

Rail War: what we know about “Rail guerillas”

Since the onset of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops, including from Belarusian territory, the “Rail War” has been unfolded in Belarus. To slow down and prevent the movement of Russian military equipment into Ukraine, Belarusians are disrupting the railway network. Law enforcers are on the lookout for “rail guerillas” and conduct raids in towns where acts of sabotage have taken place.