Anastasiya Matsiash
Prisoner
Date of birth: 27 April 1975
Date of detention: 15 November 2023
Charges indicted:
- Art. 361-1 of the Criminal Code — Creation of an extremist formation, or participation in it
Sentence: 2 years
Penalty: imprisonment in a general-security penal colony
Judge: Sviatlana Makarevich
Prison: Penal colony No. 4
Groups: Cultural workers, Journalists
Anastasiya Matsiash, according to the version of the investigation, served as a language consultant for the Polish TVP from June 19, 2021 to November 15, 2023. This role included providing language services for the Polish TV channel BELSAT tv BELSAT. She is said to have provided language consulting services, translated, proofread, and edited texts that were subsequently used on BELSAT. The ruling also states that Anastasiya Matsiash received "criminal" income, 40,000 Polish zlotys, 12,258 dollars, and 8,575 euros, for her participation in "extremist activities."
The court ruled that the woman was a member of an extremist organization and sentenced her to two years' imprisonment in a general-security penal colony, in addition to a fine of 500 basic units (equivalent to 20,000 rubles) under Part 3 of Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code (participation in an extremist organization).
Anastasiya's personal computer and cell phone were confiscated. The court ruling states that the defendant was charged with income obtained by criminal means, valued at Br102,415 and 12 kopecks. The verdict was handed down by Judge Sviatlana Makarevich at Minsk City Court on April 19, 2024.