World
The Struggle of Belarusian Journalist Andrey Gnyot Amid Extradition Threats in Serbia
Explore the challenges faced by Belarusian journalist Andrey Gnyot as he navigates the dangers of extradition threats in Serbia. This article delves into his personal and professional struggles amid a backdrop of political turmoil.
A Belarusian Journalist’s Plight in Serbia
Andrey Gnyot, a Belarusian journalist and activist, finds himself confined to an ordinary apartment in Belgrade, where he is subjected to house arrest while wearing an ankle tracking device. His situation is fraught with anxiety, as he contemplates the implications of an appeal against tax evasion charges that could lead to his extradition back to Belarus.
“Anyone who was involved during the protests has faced detention, arrest, and even torture,” Gnyot explained during an interview with Euronews. He estimates that over 50 to 100 individuals continue to be imprisoned in Belarus, reflecting the severe crackdown on dissent that followed the protests aimed at toppling President Aleksandr Lukashenko’s government in 2020.
Gnyot believes that the extradition request is primarily motivated by his active participation in those protests. His legal team asserts that the Lukashenko regime is eager to capture him, along with anyone who disseminated videos and information about the protests. In a troubling turn of events, Belgrade’s High Court has already ruled in favor of his extradition to Belarus. Currently, Gnyot has lodged an appeal with the Court of Appeal, anticipating a decision by August 27th. The prospect of being sent back to Belarus brings him grave concern.
“Torture or even death through torture is a very real possibility. At least 12 political prisoners have died under ‘mysterious’ circumstances; they were healthy before their imprisonment,” he stated with a calm demeanor, though his words carried the weight of despair.
It is uncommon for European nations to extradite individuals to Belarus, Russia, or China, countries notorious for their oppressive regimes, lack of free speech, and disregard for democratic principles, including the right to free and fair elections. Lawyer and human rights expert Nikola Kovačević elaborated on this issue, noting that many European nations are hesitant to extradite individuals to these countries due to the genuine threat of political persecution.
- “Belarus’ request to extradite Gnyot to Serbia is a tactic to capture him for potential charges of subverting the constitutional order,” Kovačević remarked. He emphasized that the accusations against Gnyot are strategically crafted to facilitate the authorities’ efforts to extradite individuals like him.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is actively advocating for Gnyot’s immediate release. “As a candidate for European Union membership, Serbia should resist yielding to transnational repression orchestrated by authoritarian regimes like that of President Lukashenko, who is a well-documented adversary of a free press,” stated Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s coordinator for Europe and Central Asia.
Since arriving in Serbia, Gnyot was detained in October, facing a tax evasion charge that could result in a prison term of up to seven years, as stipulated by the Belarusian criminal code. His reports, which were utilized by Radio Svaboda—the Belarusian arm of the US Congress-funded broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty—during the 2020 protests, have led Belarusian authorities to label the station as an “extremist” organization.
In the wake of the 2020 protests, the Belarusian government has increasingly imprisoned journalists for their work. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented numerous torture incidents affecting political prisoners in Belarus. According to the CPJ’s latest analysis, Belarus has become the world’s third-worst jailer of journalists, with at least 28 journalists incarcerated as of December 1, 2023. In contrast, Serbia had no journalists imprisoned at that time, aside from Gnyot, whose situation remained unrecognized in the census due to insufficient information regarding his journalistic activities.
World
Dominique Pelicot Testifies in Harrowing Rape Trial
Join us as Dominique Pelicot courageously testifies in a harrowing rape trial, shedding light on the complexities of trauma and justice. Her powerful story raises crucial questions about the legal system and the importance of support for survivors.
Dominique Pelicot Takes the Stand in Shocking Rape Trial
In a courtroom drama that has captivated France and garnered international attention, Dominique Pelicot, the man at the center of a harrowing rape trial, finally addressed the court. With tears streaming down his face, he recounted how his wife had been instrumental in helping him cope with a tumultuous past marked by trauma. He revealed that he had endured a sexual assault at the tender age of nine while hospitalized, and he also witnessed a gang rape during his teenage years while working as an apprentice electrician on a construction site.
“She didn’t deserve this, I acknowledge that,” Mr. Pelicot stated, his voice barely audible as he struggled to convey his emotions. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him, and the courtroom fell silent, straining to catch his every word.
Now 71 years old, Mr. Pelicot faces serious allegations of drugging his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, whom he has been married to for half a century, over a span of nearly ten years. Prosecutors contend that he used drugs to render her comatose, allowing him to rape her repeatedly. Furthermore, authorities allege that he went so far as to invite numerous men into their home, facilitating a nightmarish scenario where they, too, engaged in the assault of his wife.
Overall, 51 men, including Mr. Pelicot, are on trial concurrently, primarily facing charges related to the aggravated rape of Ms. Pelicot. Among them, one individual has already pleaded guilty to similar crimes, admitting to drugging his own wife to assault her and inviting Mr. Pelicot to partake in the horrific act while she was incapacitated.
Mr. Pelicot’s unexpected testimony came after a tumultuous start to the trial. Just a week in, he was stricken with severe health issues that forced him to miss four consecutive days in court. The head judge ultimately decided to postpone proceedings, as Mr. Pelicot was diagnosed with kidney stones, a kidney infection, and prostate complications, adding yet another layer of complexity to this already harrowing case.
World
Meta Bans Russian State Media Outlets from Social Media Platforms
Explore the implications of Meta’s decision to ban Russian state media outlets from its social media platforms. Understand the impact on information dissemination and the ongoing battle against misinformation in the digital landscape.
Meta Imposes Global Ban on Russian State Media Outlets
In a significant move, Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of Facebook, has announced the prohibition of Russian state media outlets, including RT (Russia Today) and Rossiya Segodnya, from all its social media platforms. The decision stems from the company’s concerns regarding the deceptive strategies employed by these media organizations to execute covert influence operations across the internet.
Meta made this announcement on Monday, emphasizing that the ban will be enforced worldwide across its various platforms, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. The rollout of this ban is expected to take place over the coming days.
Statement from Meta
A spokesperson for Meta elaborated on the decision, stating, “After careful consideration, we have expanded our ongoing enforcement actions against Russian state media outlets. As a result, Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and other affiliated entities are now banned from our applications globally due to their involvement in foreign interference activities.”
For further insights into this development, watch the video in the player above.
World
Trump Recalls Alleged Assassination Attempt While Golfing
Explore Donald Trump’s chilling recollection of an alleged assassination attempt he experienced while enjoying a round of golf. Delve into the tense moments and his reflections on safety, fame, and the unpredictability of public life.
In a recent interview on the social media platform X, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recounted a harrowing incident he claims to have experienced while playing golf. Trump described how, during a peaceful Sunday morning round with friends, the tranquility of the day was abruptly shattered by the sound of gunfire in the air.
“It was a beautiful day, everything was just perfect,” Trump reflected. “Then all of a sudden, we heard shots being fired—probably around four or five in total.” He went on to explain that a Secret Service agent was the first to spot the suspect, who was allegedly armed with an AK-47, a powerful assault rifle.
“The agent saw the barrel of the weapon and immediately took action, returning fire at the barrel and aiming in the direction of the bushes,” Trump detailed. “I would have loved to have sunk that last putt, but we decided it was best to leave the scene promptly.”
Trump expressed his gratitude towards the agents and a vigilant civilian who aided in tracking down the suspect, who was eventually apprehended following a high-speed chase.
Suspect Faces Multiple Federal Gun Charges
The FBI has identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, accusing him of targeting Trump during his time at the golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to an FBI report, Routh had allegedly hidden among the hedges of the golf course for an astonishing 12 hours. Authorities discovered an SKS-style assault rifle, a GoPro camera, and a bag of food at the scene.
The 58-year-old Routh is now facing two serious federal gun charges. If convicted on both counts, he could face a combined maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Notably, neither of the charges is directly related to an assassination attempt. The first charge pertains to possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction, which carries a potential 15-year sentence, a fine of $250,000 (€225,000), and three years of supervised release.
The second charge involves possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, which could result in a five-year prison term, the same financial penalties, and also three years of supervised release. As the investigation continues, additional charges could be forthcoming.
While the motive behind Routh’s actions remains unclear, his digital footprint reveals strong political affiliations, particularly concerning issues surrounding Ukraine and China. Routh consistently expressed support for Ukraine across various social media platforms, even claiming to have orchestrated a recruitment scheme for international volunteers aiming to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion. This behavior has been denounced by Ukrainian soldiers and members of the International Legion, who disavowed Routh’s actions and motives.
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