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Individual from Afghanistan residing in Vitebsk convicted for promoting radical ideologies

Former soldier Andrey Matusenko spent a year and half in Afghanistan, but is currently incarcerated.

In Vitebsk, a previous inhabitant of Afghanistan has been handed a prison sentence, accused of...
In Vitebsk, a previous inhabitant of Afghanistan has been handed a prison sentence, accused of instigating extremist activities.

Individual from Afghanistan residing in Vitebsk convicted for promoting radical ideologies

In the heart of Belarus, a significant legal development unfolded in 2025. Andrey Matussenko, a native of Vitebsk, found himself standing trial at the Vitebsk Regional Court for charges related to "participating in extremist activity."

Matussenko's journey began in 2006 when he founded a cargo transportation company named "MM-Transit" in the Smolensk region. The company thrived until its liquidation in 2020. Afterward, Matussenko continued to work in the industry, taking on roles in Russian companies such as "S-Trans," which, like "MM-Transit," specialises in cargo transportation.

However, the exact nature of Matussenko's alleged involvement in extremist activities remains unclear. What is known is that his arrest took place around February 2025, and he has been detained since the conclusion of the trial. At least 40 people were arrested in a case linked to Matussenko, known as the "Belarusian Gayun" case, but the specific actions related to this case that may be taken now remain uncertain.

Belarus has a history of prosecuting and sentencing individuals on charges related to extremist activity, often connected to political dissent, protests, or opposition movements. These cases typically involve allegations such as organizing or participating in extremist organizations, distributing extremist materials, or other activities deemed illegal under Belarusian laws on extremism.

Matussenko's sentencing is yet to be made public, but the possible sentence for such a conviction can be up to seven years in prison. For a more accurate and up-to-date account of Matussenko's case or similar situations in Belarus, it is recommended to consult authoritative news outlets, human rights organisations monitoring Belarus, or official court records if available.

During his military service, Matussenko served as a private mechanic-driver in the 345th separate guards parachute-deсантный полк and received the medal "For Military Merit." Writing to the "Belarusian Gayun" bot may pose a threat, but the specifics of this connection, if any, are not currently known.

As the details of Matussenko's trial and conviction continue to emerge, it serves as a reminder of the complex and evolving political landscape in Belarus and the ongoing efforts to maintain order and uphold the law. For those seeking to stay informed about these matters, reliable and up-to-date sources are essential.

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