The Investigative Committee of Belarus began special proceedings in the BYPOL case

The Investigative Committee of Belarus has begun the process of special proceedings against former members of the opposition organization BYPOL, recognized as terrorist in the country, reported department in its Telegram channel.

Special proceedings will be carried out against six representatives of the organization and its divisions “Situational Analytical Center” and “Mobilization Plan “Peramoga”. In Belarus, special proceedings are being conducted in a criminal case against an accused person who is located outside the republic.

The Prosecutor General approved the resolution of the Chairman of the Investigative Committee to conduct the proceedings, told in the department. Charges of creating and leading an extremist formation, inciting social hostility based on social affiliation and actions with the aim of seizing power were brought against Alexander Azarov, Vladimir Zhigar, Igor Loban, Andrei Ostapovich, Matvey Kupreichik and Oleg Talerchik. Depending on the role of each, the investigation additionally charged them with a number of other charges, including treason against the state, slander against the president of the republic, and organizing terrorism by a group of individuals.

A preventive measure in the form of detention was chosen against the accused in absentia.

In March 2023, a court in Minsk sentenced former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya in absentia to 15 years in prison. She and other defendants in the case, members of BYPOL, were charged with conspiracy to seize power by unconstitutional means, creation and management of an extremist formation, as well as public calls for the seizure of power. Supreme Court left Tikhanovskaya’s verdict stands. The ex-presidential candidate of Belarus lives in Lithuania, which provides her with financial support.