Alena Pankova, who was sentenced six months ago to “home confinement” for participating in protests, has died. According to Nasha Niva, the death occurred in February 2026. The cause of death is unknown.
“Lena died suddenly: one moment there was a person — and then she was gone. It is very frightening,” a family friend said.
In the summer of 2025, Alena was sentenced by the Kastrychnitski District Court of Minsk under Article 342 of the Criminal Code. The case concerned actions “grossly violating public order,” as Belarusian authorities classify participation in protests. The criminal case was opened literally at the last moment — a few more months and the statute of limitations would have expired.
Alena had a degree in geography. According to BelPol, the woman is survived by her 18-year-old son.
