26.05.2021, Minsk.
Editor of the Telegram channel NEXTA (designated as an extremist channel in Belarus) Roman Protasevich arrested in Minsk took part in the activities of the Azov battalion (organization banned in Russia) in south-eastern Ukraine, the head of the KGB of Belarus Ivan Tertel stated, as BelTA agency informed on May 26.
Tertel said, “It is undeniable that this person fully meets the definition of a terrorist, a mercenary, who participated in the bloody events associated with atrocities and the death of civilians in south-eastern Ukraine as a member of the notorious Azov battalion [organization banned in Russia – Rossa Primavera News Agency’s editorial].”
According to him, this is not only information of the KGB, but also “facts presented in the media with Protasevich’s personal confessions, which are widely available. The oppositionist activist used the experience, gained in the battalion, by organizing mass disturbances in Belarus, ‘endangering the lives and health of ordinary citizens and law enforcement officers’,” he said.
Tertel also said that the opposition activists, which has left Belarus, usually fell “dejection and apathy.” They bore feelings of resentment towards each other, caused by “the struggle for Western grants.” But they did not abandon their plans to overthrow the government in the country, he added.
Protasevich was detained at Minsk airport after a Ryanair airline plane made an emergency landing there following an announcement of a bomb threat onboard. In Belarus, the opposition activist was previously prosecuted under several articles, including “organization of mass disorder.” He could face up to 15 years in prison.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
