The judiciary in Belarus has sentenced opposition leader Sviatlana Tikhanovskaya, who lives in exile, to 15 years in prison for attempting to seize power and treason. A court in Minsk issued the sentence in absentia on Monday, following a highly controversial trial that did not present any evidence.
Many people believe that Tikhanovskaya, rather than the current ruler Alexander Lukashenko, is the true winner of the presidential elections held in August 2020.
The court also sentenced former culture minister and opposition figure Pavel Latushko, who also lives in exile, to 18 years in prison. Latushko was accused of the alleged misuse of his position and accepting bribes.
Several prominent opponents of Lukashenko received in absentia sentences for attempting to illegally seize power, including: Olga Kovalkova, Sergei Delyovski, and Maria Moroz, each sentenced to 12 years in prison.
The three opposition figures formed a committee to coordinate efforts for a change of power in Belarus following the presidential elections in August 2020.
Lukashenko, who is regarded as Europe's last dictator, declared himself the winner of the elections and brutally suppressed protests against his rule.
