Woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova sentenced to 15 years of jail time
On 6 September 2022, Minsk City Court sentenced woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova to 15 years of prison and fined her 22400 Belarus Rubles (around EUR 8800). The Court found her guilty of violating ten Articles of the Criminal Code (CC) of Belarus. The hearing was held behind closed doors.
On 28 November 2021, relatives of Maria Rabkova, a woman human rights defender, received a letter with a list of final charges against her. According to the correspondence, the Belarusian government accuses the woman human rights defender of violating eleven articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. If convicted, Maria Rabkova faces 15 years in prison.
17 September 2021 marks one year since the arrest of woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova. On 17 September 2021, the Investigation Committee extended her pre-trial detention until 17 December 2021, citing an ongoing investigation against the woman human rights defender as a justification behind prolonging her sentence.
On 21 June 2021, the colleagues of woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova became aware that her detention had been extended for a further three months due to the ongoing investigation against her. With this latest extension of her detention, Maria Rabkova is due to be detained until 17 September 2021, by which point she will have spent one year in pre-trial detention because of her peaceful activities in support of human rights.
On 20 March 2021, the colleagues of woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova became aware that her detention had been extended for a further three months as a result of additional charges brought against her in February.
On 11 February 2021, woman human rights defender and coordinator of the Volunteer Service at Human Rights Centre Viasna (HRC Viasna) Maria Rabkova was handed an indictment under two more articles of the Criminal Code: “participating in criminal organization” (Part 2 of Article 285 of the Criminal Code) and “inciting racial, national, religious or other social hostility social hostility by a group of individuals” (Part 3 of Art. 130 of the Criminal Code).
On 17 September 2020, woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova was detained in Minsk as part of a criminal investigation opened in relation to ongoing protests in the country. Maria Rabkova’s husband Vadim Zharomsky was detained along side her but later released.
Maria Rabkova is a woman human rights defender and coordinator of the Volunteer Service at Human Rights Centre Viasna (HRC Viasna). Together with Viasna volunteers, Maria Rabkova has been monitoring peaceful assemblies that have broken out across Belarus since the announcement of the 2020 Presidential election results on 9 August. She has also been documenting cases of torture and other ill-treatment against detained protesters. The woman human rights defender played an active role in the independent election observation campaign “Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections”.
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- 8 September 2022 : Woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova sentenced to 15 years of jail time
- 2 December 2021 : Woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova faces 15 years in prison
- 4 October 2021 : Woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova's detention extended for three more months
- 23 June 2021 : Detention of Maria Rabkova extended for the fourth time
- 25 March 2021 : Extension of woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova’s detention
- 16 February 2021 : Additional charges against woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova
- 18 September 2020 : Maria Rabkova arbitrarily detained
On 6 September 2022, Minsk City Court sentenced woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova to 15 years of prison and fined her 22400 Belarus Rubles (around EUR 8800). The Court found her guilty of violating ten Articles of the Criminal Code (CC) of Belarus. The hearing was held behind closed doors.
Maria Rabkova is a woman human rights defender and coordinator of the Volunteer Service at Human Rights Centre "Viasna" (HRC "Viasna"). Her human rights activities involve monitoring the peaceful manifestations resulting from the 2020 Presidential election results and documenting cases of torture and other ill-treatment against detained protesters.
On 6 September 2022, Minsk City Court sentenced woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova to 15 years of prison. The Court found her guilty of "organizing mass riots" (Article 293(1) CC), "preparing for participation in mass riots" (Article 293(1.13, 2) CC), "preparing others for participation in mass riots" (Article 293 (3) CC), "establishment and leading a criminal organization" (Article 285(1)), calling for action against the national security of Belarus" (Article 361(3) CC)," establishing an extremist group" (Article 361-1(1)), "incitement of other social hatered by a group of people" (Article 130(3) CC), "malicious hooliganism" and "particularly malicious hooliganism" (Article 339(2) and 339(3) CC), "desecration of structures and damage to property" (Article 341 CC). The hearing was held behind closed doors.
Since her arrest on 17 September 2020, Maria Rabkova spent almost two full years in pre-trial detention, with limited or no access to medical assistance. While in detention, Maria Rabkova's health has significantly deteriorated. She contracted COVID-19 in pre-trial detention due to overcrowded incarceration units and no sanitary preventive measures. The woman human rights defender experienced significant weight loss, dental problems, and two instances of syncope. On multiple occasions, the authorities denied Maria Rabkova visitation rights, and her correspondence was seized.
Since September 2021, the Belarusian authorities have targeted members of HRC Viasna with raids, arbitrary detentions, trumped-up charges, and judicial harassment for their peaceful human rights work. After more than 200 raids, dozens of prominent human rights defenders have been detained, including representatives of HRC Viasna. Maria Rabkova, Andrey Chapyuk, Leanid Sudalenka, Taciana Lasica, Uladzimir Labkovich, Valiantsin Stefanovich, and Ales Bialiatski remain in pre-trial detention while Maryia Tarasenka was released and issued a travel ban.
Front Line Defenders condemns the sentencing of woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova to 15 years of prison time, as it believes that she is being persecuted for her human rights work. Front Line Defenders reiterates its call upon Belarusian authorities to release Maria Rabkova, guarantee her physical and psychological safety, and stop the nationwide crackdown against human rights defenders for their peaceful and legitimate human rights work.
On 28 November 2021, relatives of Maria Rabkova, a woman human rights defender, received a letter with a list of final charges against her. According to the correspondence, the Belarusian government accuses the woman human rights defender of violating eleven articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. If convicted, Maria Rabkova faces 15 years in prison.
Maria Rabkova is a woman human rights defender and coordinator of the Volunteer Service at Human Rights Centre “Viasna ”(HRC “Viasna”). Her human rights activities involve the monitoring of the peaceful manifestations resulting from the 2020 Presidential election results, as well as the documentation of cases of torture and other ill-treatment against detained protesters.
On 17 September 2020, law enforcement officials arrested and detained her. The state accuses her of "educating or training people for participation in mass riots, or financing such activities" under Article 293 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus (hereinafter CC). On 11 February 2021, the Investigation Committee charged Maria Rabkova for "participating in a criminal organization" (Article 285(2) CC) and “inciting to racial, national or religious hatred or discord” (Article 130(3) CC).
In the letter to her relatives, Maria Rabkova listed all the new accusations advanced by the Belarusian government. She is further accused of "organizing mass riots" (Article 293(1) CC), "preparing for crime” (Article 13 CC), "gross violation of the order" (Article 342 CC), "calling for action against the national security of Belarus" (Article 361(3) CC), "establishing an extremist group" (Article 361-1(1)), "leading a criminal organization” (Article 285(1)), "malicious hooliganism" and “particularly malicious hooliganism" (Article 339(2) and 339(3) CC), "desecration of structures and damage to property" (Article 341 CC), "intentional destruction or damage to someone else's property by an organized group” (Article 218(3) CC), and "illegal activities committed by group of persons using flammable substances with a damaging effect” (Article 295-3(2) CC).
Moreover, Maria Rabkova reported that the violations charged against her contained several cold cases that remained unsolved for years. She also believes that her trial will take place behind closed doors, as it was the case for Leanid Sudalenka and Tatiana Lasitsa.
Front Line Defenders continues to condemn the detention of woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova and believes that her non-violent human rights work informs the charges against her. Front Line Defenders reiterates its call upon Belarusian authorities to release Maria Rabkova, guarantee her physical and psychological safety, and stop the nationwide crackdown against human rights defenders for their peaceful and legitimate human rights work.
17 September 2021 marks one year since the arrest of woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova. On 17 September 2021, the Investigation Committee extended her pre-trial detention until 17 December 2021, citing an ongoing investigation against the woman human rights defender as a justification behind prolonging her sentence.
Maria Rabkova is a woman human rights defender and coordinator of the Volunteer Service at Human Rights Centre Viasna (HRC Viasna). On 17 September 2020, law enforcement officials arrested and detained her. She is accused of "educating or other preparation of persons for participation in mass riots, or financing such activities," under Article 293 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. On 11 February 2021, the Investigation Committee charged Maria Rabkova with "participating in a criminal organisation" (Part 2 of Article 285 of the Criminal Code) and "inciting racial, national, religious or other social hostility by a group of individuals" (Part 3 of Art. 130 of the Criminal Code). If convicted, the woman human rights defender faces up to twelve years in prison.
During her detention, the prosecution denied Maria Rabkova her visitation rights on several occassions. Since her arrest, Maria Rabkova's health has significantly deteriorated. She contracted COVID-19 in pre-trial detention, experienced significant weight loss, dental problems, and two instances of syncope. To date, Maria Rabkova has not received any medical support while in detention.
Since September 2021, the Belarusian authorities have targeted members of HRC Viasna with raids, arbitrary detentions, trumped-up charges, and judicial harassment for their peaceful human rights work. After more than 200 raids, dozens of prominent human rights defenders have been detained, including representatives of HRC Viasna. Maria Rabkova, Andrey Chapyuk, Leanid Sudalenka, Taciana Lasica, Uladzimir Labkovich, Valiantsin Stefanovich, and Ales Bialiatski remain in pre-trial detention while Maryia Tarasenka was released and issued a travel ban.
Front Line Defenders is seriously concerned with the continued detention of woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova and urge the authorities to ensure Maria Rabkova's immediate access to medical attention and visitation rights. Front Line Defenders calls upon the Belarusian authorities to stop the persecution of human rights defenders, including members of HRC Viasna, for their peaceful human rights work.
On 21 June 2021, the colleagues of woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova became aware that her detention had been extended for a further three months due to the ongoing investigation against her. With this latest extension of her detention, Maria Rabkova is due to be detained until 17 September 2021, by which point she will have spent one year in pre-trial detention because of her peaceful activities in support of human rights.
The woman human rights defender, who is a coordinator of the Volunteer Service at Human Rights Centre Viasna (HRC Viasna), was detained on 17 September 2020 as part of a supposedly criminal investigation for “education or other preparation of persons for participation in mass riots, or financing such activities” (Part 3 of Art. 293 of the Criminal Code). On 11 February 2021, Maria Rabkova was charged under two additional articles of the Criminal Code: “participating in a criminal organization” (Part 2 of Article 285 of the Criminal Code) and “inciting racial, national, religious or other social hostility by a group of individuals” (Part 3 of Art. 130 of the Criminal Code). If convicted, she may be imprisoned for up to twelve years.
Maria Rabkova has been detained in the Detention Centre No.1 on Volodarskaya Street since her arrest. She is suffering from dental problems such as the chipping of a front tooth and a decaying back tooth, due to a long term of detention and poor conditions in the detention centre.
Members of Human Rights Center Viasna (HRC Viasna), which Maria Rabkova is the coordinator of, have been under pressure since early May 2020. Members were arbitrarily detained and subjected to judicial harassment and arrests for their active human rights work. In March 2021, the Main Department for Investigation of Crimes in the Sphere of Organized Crime and Corruption of the Central Office of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Belarus reportedly investigated the activities of the HRC Viasna under Art. 342 of the Criminal Code (organization and active participation in group actions that grossly violate public order). At the moment, the case involves active investigative actions, including searches of the organization’s local offices and the apartments of Viasna members, interrogations of activists and other procedural actions. Four members of the organisation and volunteers are currently in jail: Maria Rabkova, Andrey Chapyuk, Leanid Sudalenka and Taciana Lasica.
Front Line Defenders is seriously concerned by the extension of woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova’s detention and ongoing judicial prosecution of HRC Viasna and its members. The initial charges against Maria Rabkova and her detention is an attempt to criminalise her legitimate human rights activities and the work of HRC Viasna. Front Line Defenders urges the authorities in Belarus to immediately release Maria Rabkova, drop the charges against her, and cease targeting human rights defenders, HRC Viasna and other human rights organisations in the country.
On 20 March 2021, the colleagues of woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova became aware that her detention had been extended for a further three months as a result of additional charges brought against her in February.
Maria Rabkova was detained on 17 September 2020 as part of a criminal investigation for “education or other preparation of persons for participation in mass riots, or financing such activities” (Part 3 of Art. 293 of the Criminal Code). On 11 February 2021, Maria Rabkova was charged under two additional articles of the Criminal Code: “participating in criminal organization” (Part 2 of Article 285 of the Criminal Code) and “inciting racial, national, religious or other social hostility by a group of individuals” (Part 3 of Art. 130 of the Criminal Code). If convicted, the charges carry a possible imprisonment sentence of up to 12 years.
The woman human rights defender, who is a coordinator of the Volunteer Service at Human Rights Centre Viasna (HRC Viasna), has been detained in the detention centre No.1 on Volodarskaya street since her arrest. With the latest extension of her detention, Maria Rabkova is due to be detained until 17 June 2021, by which point she will have spent nine months in pre-trial detention.
Since early May 2020, HRC Viasna has faced increased pressure, with 18 members of the organisation, including many local representatives, arbitrarily detained and subjected to judicial harassment and arrests for their human rights work. Maria Rabkova is one of four members of the organisation currently detained, alongside Andrey Chapyuk, Leanid Sudalenka and Taciana Lasica.
Front Line Defenders is seriously concerned by the levying of additional charges against woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova, and the possible 12 year sentence they carry. The initial charges against Maria Rabkova, her detention and the most recent charges against her, can be viewed as an attempt to criminalise her legitimate human rights activities and the work of HRC Viasna. Front Line Defenders urges the authorities in Belarus to immediately release Maria Rabkova, drop the charges against her, and cease targeting human rights defenders, HRC Viasna and other human rights organisations in the country.
On 11 February 2021, woman human rights defender and coordinator of the Volunteer Service at Human Rights Centre Viasna (HRC Viasna) Maria Rabkova was handed an indictment under two more articles of the Criminal Code: “participating in criminal organization” (Part 2 of Article 285 of the Criminal Code) and “inciting racial, national, religious or other social hostility social hostility by a group of individuals” (Part 3 of Art. 130 of the Criminal Code). If found guilty, Maria Rabkova may be imprisoned for to twelve years.
The new charges were brought against Maria Rabkova shortly after a national television show called "TNT of Protest" was aired, alleging that HRC Viasna and Maria Rabkova were involved in terrorist activities. The woman human rights defender defined it as an information attack and an attempt to slander her and HRC Viasna.
Members of HRC Viasna emphasise that a defamation campaign against Maria Rabkova and HRC Viasna has intensified since the end of January 2021. At the beginning of February, several videos were published by the Investigative Committee connecting human rights defenders with criminal organisations linked to seizing power, organising riots and terrorist activities.
On 17 September 2020, Maria Rabkova and her husband were detained in Minsk by officers from the Main Directorate for Combating Organised Crime and Corruption (GUBOPiK) after they conducted a search of her apartment. Maria Rabkova was handed an indictment for “education or other preparation of persons for participation in mass riots, or financing such activities” under part 3 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code.
After her detention, Maria Rabkova’s lawyer filed a complaint to change the preventive measure of detention and her colleagues collected around 200 guarantees from citizens supporting her, both of which were sent to the Investigative Committee. However, on 14 December 2020 the Partizansky district court of Minsk rejected the complaint during a closed session.
Maria Rabkova has been detained in detention centre No.1 in Minsk for five months. Since her arrest the woman human rights defender’s correspondence has been limited and many of the letters that she sent to her colleagues and relatives were not delivered.
Members of HRC Viasna have been under pressure since early May 2020, with 18 members of the organisation, including many local representatives, arbitrarily detained and subjected to judicial harassment and arrests for their active human rights work. Four members of the organisation and volunteers are currently in jail: Maria Rabkova, Andrey Chapyuk, Leanid Sudalenka and Taciana Lasica.
Front Line Defenders is deeply concerned by the indictment of Maria Rabkova under two additional criminal articles and by the ongoing smear campaign against her and HRC Viasna, as it believes that they are being targeted solely as a result of their work in promoting and protecting human rights in Belarus. Front Line Defenders demands the authorities in Belarus to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Maria Rabkova and to stop the criminal proceedings against her. Front Line Defenders demands Belarusian authorities refrain from falsely linking human rights defenders to “terrorist activities” in an effort to manipulate public opinion and slander the legitimate and peaceful work of human rights defenders.
On 17 September 2020, woman human rights defender Maria Rabkova was detained in Minsk as part of a criminal investigation opened in relation to ongoing protests in the country. Maria Rabkova’s husband Vadim Zharomsky was detained along side her but later released.
Maria Rabkova is a woman human rights defender and coordinator of the Volunteer Service at Human Rights Centre Viasna (HRC Viasna). Together with Viasna volunteers, Maria Rabkova has been monitoring peaceful assemblies that have broken out across Belarus since the announcement of the 2020 Presidential election results on 9 August. She has also been documenting cases of torture and other ill-treatment against detained protesters. The woman human rights defender played an active role in the independent election observation campaign “Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections”.
On the evening of 17 September 2020, as Maria Rabkova and her husband Vadim Zharomsky were on their way home, several minibuses pulled up alongside them. Officers from the Main Directorate for Combating Organised Crime and Corruption (GUBOPiK) exited the vehicles and pushed the defender and her husband’s face against the ground. The couple were informed that Maria Rabkova was being detained as part of a criminal investigation opened under para. 3 of Article. 293 of the Criminal Code of Belarus for “education or other preparation of persons for participation in mass riots, or financing such activities”.
Maria Rabkova and Vadim Zharomsky were placed in different minibuses. Vadim Zharomsky was brought to their apartment where the officers conducted a search. During the search, equipment, personal belongings and money were seized. Afterwards, Vadim Zharomsky was brought to the office of GUBOPiK where the officers put a sack on his head, questioned him and threatened that they would take him to a temporary detention centre. Later he was released and told that he should return for questioning the following day.
Maria Rabkova was brought to a detention center on Okrestina Street. According to information from the defender’s colleagues, the criminal investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Investigative Committee for Minsk. The defender’s lawyer was informed that the defender would be brought in for questioning on 18 September 2020 at 3pm local time.
Members of HRC Viasna have been under pressure since early May 2020, with many local representatives arbitrarily detained and subjected to judicial harassment or administrative arrests.
Front Line Defenders is deeply concerned by the detention of Maria Rabkova as well as the harassment of her husband. Her arrest follows a number of acts of reprisal against and judicial harassment of human rights defenders from the law enforcement representatives in Belarus since the results of the 2020 Presidential elections were announced on 9 August. Front Line Defenders expresses concern that these actions may have a chilling effect on the promotion and protection of human rights in the Belarus, and may be unconducive to the creation of a safe and enabling environment in which defenders can carry out their work.
