Valiantsina Polaz

Political prisoner

Date of detention: 1 September 2023

Charges indicted:

  • Art. 356 of the Criminal Code — High treason

Sentence: 9 years

Penalty: imprisonment in a general-security penal colony

Judge: Yauhen Sharshniou

Prison: Pre-trial detention center No. 3

Notes: War in Ukraine

Valiantsina Polaz was charged with the following crimes:

  • Part 1 of Article 356 (high treason);
  • Part 2 of Article 371-1 (organizing illegal migration).  

The State Security Committee reported that it had arrested six people in Belarus on charges of cooperation with the "Security Service of Ukraine" and "preparation of terrorist acts". 

On December 2, 2024, the Homiel Regional Court found Polaz guilty of "high treason" and "organizing illegal migration". Judge Yauhen Sharshniou sentenced her to 9 years' imprisonment. He also imposed a fine of 550 basic units. The trial was held in closed session on October 15.

Place of detention: Pre-trial detention center No. 3. 246003, Homieĺ, vulica Knižnaja 1A

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