Belarus opens new criminal case against ex-political prisoner Pavel Mazheika

A new criminal case has been opened in Belarus against ex-political prisoner Pavel Mazheika.

The case was opened as early as May 11, 2026. Most likely, Mazheika is being charged under one of the political articles — Art. 361-4 of the Criminal Code (facilitating extremist activity).

The ex-political prisoner himself says he does not know the exact nature of the case. However, "dozens of so-called procedural actions" have been carried out against his relatives and acquaintances in Belarus — searches, interrogations, and informal conversations.

Pavel says that during the searches, security forces are looking specifically for him and are "surprised" that they cannot find him. Mazheika, along with a group of other political prisoners, was forcibly taken to Lithuania on September 11, 2025, following a release that came about as a result of US negotiations with the Lukashenko regime.

During conversations with Mazheika's relatives, KGB officers oblige them to pass on to him that Pavel can return to Belarus without any problems and safely. Mazheika also claims that similar "invitations" are being conveyed to other political prisoners who were forcibly taken out of Belarus.