Vital Ryzhanski
convicted
Former prisoner
Date of birth: 7 October 1987
Date of detention: 13 October 2022
Charges indicted:
- Art. 367 of the Criminal Code — Slander against the President of the Republic of Belarus
Sentence: 2 years
Penalty: imprisonment in a general-security penal colony
Prison sentence start date: 30 March 2023
Date of release: 3 August 2024
Judge: Yuliya Viarshynina
Vital Ryzhanski is a 35-year-old heavy rock fan from Orša, Viciebsk region. The Orša District and City Court convicted him under Part 1 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code ('Defamation of the President of Belarus').
At first, he was also accused of 'contempt of a public official' under Article 369 and 'defamation of the President of Belarus' under Article 368 of the Criminal Code.
Vital Ryzhanski was arrested on October 13, 2022, and placed in the remand prison in Viciebsk.
His trial began on January 10, 2023, and was held behind closed doors by Judge Yuliya Viarshynina.
On March 17, 2023, Ryzhanski was included in the 'List of Belarusian citizens, foreign citizens, and stateless persons involved in extremist activities'.
