EESC calls Belgrade not to extradite Belarus journalist

“The Presidency of the EESC's Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group (FRRL) is deeply concerned about the imminent risk of extradition from Serbia to Belarus of journalist Andrey Gnyot,” a press release said and added that “the FRRL Presidency fears that this extradition could put Andrey Gnyot at risk of an unfair trial and of being subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment in detention”.

Gnyot was arrested in October 2023 in transit at Belgrade airport, based on an Interpol arrest warrant issued by Minsk on charges of tax evasion. His extradition was ordered on 31 May 2024 by the Serbian Higher Court. He has been in house arrest in Belgrade following several months in prison in Serbia. He took part in 2020 protests to dismiss Belarus President Alexandar Lukasheko.

“The FRRL Presidency urges Serbia not to extradite Andrey Gnyot to Belarus,” the press release said.