Lukashenka says thanks to prosecutor Alina Kasyanchyk who had hand in convicting Belsat journos
23-year-old Alina Kasyanchyk is notorious for her being involved in political trials in Belarus.
A few days ago, Alyaksandr Lukashenka signed an order, in which he expressed gratitude to a number of Belarusian prosecutors for ‘many years of fruitful work, exemplary performance of official duties, high performance in law enforcement, strengthening law and order and combating crime’.
According to Lukashenka’s press service, Alina Kasyanchyk, a senior assistant prosecutor of Frunzenski district of Minsk, was also commended.
Kasyanchyk has a reputation of a remoseless public prosecutor. She represented the prosecution side when Belsat journalists Katsyaryna Andreyeva and Darya Chultsova were tried. The two Belsatters were detained on 15 November 2020 for video recording the violent dispersal during the action in memory of Raman Bandarenka and the destruction of the public memorial by security forces. Katsyaryna and Darya were later charged under Part 1 of Article 342 (‘organisation and preparation of actions grossly violating public order’). On February 18, judge Natallya Buhuk took heed of Ms Kasyanchyk’s demand and sentenced the girls to two years’ imprisonment in a minimum-security penal colony. Belarusian human rights watchdogs recognised Katsyaryna Andreyeva and Darya Chultsova as political prisoners.
She also acted as a prosecutor when five persons were standing trial for leaving the pavement inscription ‘We Won’t Forget’ at the place of killing protester Alyaksandr Taraykouski; they were sentenced to up to two years of imprisonment in a penal colony.
At the same time, Kasyanchyk’s contribution to the reprisals goes beyond her performing functions of the state prosecutor in court. For example, the story of her getting revenge upon her former landlady had a wide response in the press. In late June, Zavodski district court announced a guilty verdict in the case of 34-year-old Minsker Volha Sinyalyova who terminated an apartment lease contract with Alina Kasyanchyk.
In July 2020, Alina Kasyanchyk rented Volha’s flat in Minsk. At a certain point, the landlady suggested that the tenant leave. Kasyanchik agreed and found another place to live in. However, on the back of the situation, a criminal case was launched against Sinyalyova under Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Belarus (‘violation of equality of citizens’). As a result, judge Anzhela Kastsyukevich sentenced the owner to two years of restriction of liberty without being sent to a correctional facility. Volha Sinyalyova is mother of two minor children; currently, she is on her maternity leave.
In June 2021, the European Union added Alina Kasyanchyk to the sanctions list.
