A court in Belarus has sentenced Catholic priest Anatoly Parakhnevich, who opposed Russia's war in Ukraine, to three years in prison. The verdict was handed down in a closed trial in October, Associated Press reported on November 5, citing the Viasna human rights centre.
According to the rights group, the 66-year-old priest was convicted on charges involving insults against officials and extremism. Parakhnevich denies the allegations and intends to appeal. Viasna considers him a political prisoner.
The priest had criticised Russia's invasion of Ukraine and helped Ukrainian refugees. Viasna says he suffered a heart attack while in custody.