Former Kalinouski Regiment fighter Vasil Hrachykha has been sentenced to five years in prison, the human-rights centre Viasna reported.
Hrachykha was tried together with Vasil Verameichyk. Recently it became known that Verameichyk had been given a 13-year prison term.
Hrachykha was charged under the same 12 articles, including “extremist” offences, as well as participation in an armed conflict on the territory of another state.
News of Hrachykha’s detention emerged in May from a segment broadcast on Belarusian state television. In the footage, he is shown with his hands zip-tied and a bag over his head, being led through a swamp by three armed men in camouflage. The location of the arrest was not disclosed. Hrachykha is then brought by car to a military helicopter and handed over to KGB officers. During the flight he lies on the floor while a KGB officer presses him down with his foot. Upon landing, he is met by Kanstantsin Bychak, head of the KGB’s Investigative Department.
Vasil Hrachykha joined the Kalinouski Regiment in May 2022 but left the unit shortly thereafter.