TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Belarusian authorities on Friday convicted a famous dissident rock band, designating the band and its three members as extremist and sentencing them to two years of correctional labor. It was the latest in a yearslong crackdown on dissent that has engulfed this country of 9.5 million people.
Nizkiz band members — Alyaksandr Ilyin, Siarhei Kulsha and Dzmitry Khalyaukin — were charged with “organizing and plotting actions grossly violating public order.”
In 2020, when Belarus was rocked by mass protests that erupted after President Alexander Lukashenko won a sixth term in office in a disputed election, the band released “Rules,” a song that became the protests’ anthem. A music video for the song was filmed at one of the demonstrations against the country’s authoritarian leader.
Lukashenko’s government unleashed a brutal crackdown in response to the protests, arresting more than 35,000 people and violently beating thousands. Many have been labeled as “extremists,” a designation frequently used against critics. The repressions have continued to this day.
Brewers starter Joe Ross leaves after first inning vs. Marlins with lower back strain
Atletico dealt Depay injury blow for Dortmund clash
Mountain and river carnival kicks off in western Beijing
FIS president hails China's skiing, snowboarding potential
An Algerian reporter says he was expelled from his country without explanation
Aroma of Chinese Lamian noodles wafts to Belt and Road countries
Legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki's new Oscar
Forensic psychiatrist reveals the different types of stalkers
China endeavors to keep ancient city of Pingyao alive
Target to lower prices on basic goods in response to inflation
Disneyland rides on its swift successes