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As of June 16, 2026, at least 129 people in Belarus have been convicted under the article on high treason (Article 356 of the Criminal Code), the human rights center Viasna reports.
Trials under this article are held behind closed doors, meaning the substance of the accusations remains unknown. Part 1 of the article provides for prison sentences ranging from seven to 15 years. Since 2023, Part 2 has allowed for penalties of up to and including the death penalty.
Among those convicted are at least six families comprising 14 people and 16 women. Those found guilty of high treason include people from a wide range of professions, including independent journalists, workers, a priest, a musician, a media manager, a businessman, an IT specialist, a cultural manager, former law enforcement officers and military personnel, and politicians.
At least nine former members of the military are known to have been tried on high treason charges.
At least 43 Belarusians were convicted of high treason for supporting Ukraine. Fifteen politicians and activists received convictions in absentia under the same article.
At least four of those convicted are of retirement age. At least 11 convicted individuals are known to have serious health problems.