Founders of Dissidentby Initiative to Be Tried in Absentia Starting October 16

Reform.news Editorial Team · 7 October 2026, 14:14

https://reform.news/en/founders-of-dissidentby-initiative-to-be-tried-in-absentia-starting-october-16/

The trial in absentia of Dissidentby initiative founders Maryna Kasinerava and Viachaslau Kasinerau will begin on October 16. The proceedings will be held at the Zavadski District Court of Minsk, the human rights center Viasna reports.

Special proceedings against Maryna Kasinerava and Viachaslau Kasinerau were launched on August 28 this year.

They are charged with creating or participating in an “extremist formation,” inciting social hatred, discrediting Belarus, insulting Lukashenka, and facilitating “extremist” activities. Maryna is additionally charged with repeatedly creating an “extremist formation” or leading one.

Viachaslau Kasinerau and Maryna Kasinerava are the founders of the human rights project Dissident.by, which has been designated an “extremist formation.”