Brother of imprisoned journalist flees Belarus after sentencing
- Mikita Losik, brother of journalist Ihar Losik, has fled Belarus after being sentenced for extremist activities.
- He described brutal conditions in the Vitsebsk detention center and highlighted the government's crackdown on dissent.
- His escape underscores the ongoing repression and safety risks faced by political prisoners and dissenters in Belarus.
In Belarus, Mikita Losik, who is the younger brother of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Ihar Losik, fled the country after receiving a three-year prison sentence for purported 'extremist activities.' The sentencing occurred on July 8, 2025, following a two-day trial in which Mikita was accused of sending images of Russian military equipment to the Telegram channel 'Belaruski Hajun.' Conditions in the Vitsebsk detention center where he was held were described as brutal, highlighting the psychological torment of constant verbal abuse rather than physical violence. Mikita was arrested and interrogated, reportedly witnessing his roommate being restrained. These actions are indicative of the Belarusian government's pervasive crackdown on dissent since the controversial presidential election of 2020. His brother Ihar, already imprisoned since 2021, has faced a severe sentence of 15 years amidst similar accusations.