Hrodna ‘Tsudounia’ Ethnic Shop Owner Detained

• 17.02.2025, 9:39

Under the protest article.

Andrei Nestsiarovich, the owner of ‘Tsudounia’, has been detained for allegedly organising actions that violated public order. This article is used in Belarus in politically motivated cases, reports Hrodna.life.

According to the sources, who are not related to Nestsiarovich's family, he was detained on 7 February. A criminal case was opened against the businessman under Article 342 of the Criminal Code (organisation and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order, or active participation in them). Soon he should be transferred to Hrodna pre-trial detention centre #1.

In 2023, Nestsiarovich was tried under Article 19.11 of the Administrative Code for allegedly distributing ‘extremist’ materials. He was sentenced to 10 days of arrest. After that he was prosecuted under part 2 of article 295 of the Criminal Code (Illegal actions in relation to firearms, ammunition and explosives). Then he was given a non-custodial sentence.

Andrei Nestsiarovich founded the Tsudounia ethnic shop in 2015. After the 2020 elections, the shop faced fines and deprivation of premises. Andrei stayed in Belarus and was maintaining his business as he considered it important for preserving and developing Belarusian culture. He has two small children, one of whom is not yet a year old.