Belarusian Olympian Aliaksandra Herasimenia Convicted in Absentia

Photo Courtesy: SIPA USA

Belarusian Olympian Aliaksandra Herasimenia Convicted in Absentia

Olympic medalist Aliaksandra Herasimenia was sentenced in absentia to 12 years in prison for her dissent against the ruling party of Belarus.

Herasimenia had fled the country, first in 2020 to Ukraine and then earlier this year to Poland, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She and Alexander Opeikin, the co-founders of the Belarusian Sport Solidarity Foundation, have been outspoken critics of president Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled the country in an increasingly authoritarian manner. That only increased in the aftermath of widespread protests in August 2020 that led to violent crackdowns by police.

The trial, held behind closed doors, convicted the pair on Monday of undermining the country’s national security. It was conducted in accordance with a new law conveniently passed in July that allows dissidents who’ve fled abroad to be tried in absentia. (Charges were levied against Herasimenia in April.)

Herasimenia also had her apartment, car and funds in a bank account totaling $48,000 seized as part of the conviction. The conviction has received widespread condemnation among critics of the regime.

The Sport Solidarity Foundation lobbied against Belarus hosting international tournaments in 2021, including the European Track Championships, the IIHF World Hockey Championships and the World Modern Pentathlon Championships. Belarus has been complicit, as a staging area for troops and materiel, in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Belarusian athletes remain unable to compete under their national flag in many international competitions, including those hosted by FINA and the IOC.

Herasimenia, who will turn 37 on New Year’s Eve, is one of the most decorated swimmers in her country’s history. She won silver in the 50 freestyle and 100 free at the 2012 Olympics, then earned bronze in the 50 four years later in Rio. She also has won four totals medals and two golds at World Championships and a total of 16 European medals (long- and short-course) including two golds.

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Joshua

1 year ago

It is a sad State of Affairs when people in countries like Belarus and Russia are so full of cowardice they do nothing to stop the murder and rape of women and children in the ukraine. I admire this couple for speaking out. What I don’t admire is the entire population of Belarus and Russia for being so scared to do the right thing

Gazza

1 year ago

Apply for refugee status