Stepan Putilo and Nexta Case: Prosecution Pushes for Heavy Sentences in a High-Profile Belarusian Trial

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The public prosecutor has requested a twenty-year prison term for Stepan Putilo, the founder of the opposition Telegram channel Nexta, who is widely labeled a terrorist by the republic. The filing seeks a stern sentence designed to reflect the severity of the alleged actions and to demonstrate the state’s determination to curb what it describes as extremist activity connected to Nexta.

Alongside the main demand, the prosecution urges the court to render guilty verdicts on every count listed in the case. The submission signals a unified government stance against supposed organized wrongdoing and aims to secure a conviction that aligns with the charges detailed in the indictment.

Among those named in the filing is Yan Rudik, described by the state as a fellow participant in the case, who has previously received a nineteen year sentence. Also mentioned is Roman Protasevich, who was given a ten year term. The prosecutor notes that Protasevich admitted guilt and cooperated under an investigative agreement, presenting this cooperation as a factor that could influence the final penalty.

Last December, the Prosecutor General’s Office in Belarus announced that the case file on the founders of the Nexta channel had been forwarded to the court, marking a formal stage in the judicial process. This update reflects the ongoing legal proceedings as authorities pursue resolutions related to the channel and its leadership, according to state communications issued at that time.

Earlier, in May of the prior year, Belarusian authorities opened criminal proceedings against Stepan Putilo and Yan Rudik, charging them with organizing and directing activities tied to a terrorist organization. The record refers to a response to a decision issued by what the filing designates as the Investigative Committee, signaling that the authorities view their public communications on the matter as part of the broader charge. The document frames these actions within a wider crackdown on what officials describe as extremist propaganda and illicit organizational activity, indicating a concerted governmental effort to address perceived threats connected to opposition-aligned networks.

The overarching aim of the filing appears to be a demonstration of resolve against perceived threats while presenting a narrative of accountability for figures associated with the Nexta platform. The court is urged to weigh the presented charges and the accompanying evidence in a way that aligns with the state’s stated objectives on public safety, national security, and the suppression of organized extremism. The proceedings are described as a key component of the government’s ongoing policy to confront what it labels as dangerous influence spread through social channels and other media linked to opposition movements.

In the broader context, observers note that the case has drawn extensive domestic attention as officials emphasize the need to maintain control over online networks that can mobilize opposition sentiment. Analysts point out that the legal process is part of a broader pattern of actions aimed at limiting organized dissent and shaping the public narrative around threats perceived to emanate from digital platforms associated with political opponents. Supporters of the government argue that such measures are essential to safeguarding stability and protecting national security in a volatile information environment. Critics, meanwhile, warn that the measures may constrain free expression and hinder legitimate political discourse, arguing that due process and fair trial standards must guide any sentencing decisions. In this landscape, the court is expected to consider how the charges intersect with issues of media freedom, public order, and the legitimate rights of individuals involved in political activism, while remaining anchored to the legal definitions laid out in the indictment and the accompanying evidentiary materials.

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