Belarusian Filmmaker and Activist Andrei Gnyot Appeals Against Extradition from Serbia
Belarusian filmmaker and opposition activist, Andrei Gnyot, is fighting against extradition from Serbia to Minsk, where he fears “inevitable torture and inevitable death” if he is sent back. Gnyot, who took part in anti-government protests in Belarus four years ago, was arrested in Belgrade last October on an international arrest warrant issued by Belarus for alleged tax evasion.
In a passionate appeal to a court in Serbia, Gnyot pleaded for his life, describing Belarus under Alexander Lukashenko as a “dictatorial system which tortures and kills”. He emphasized that he is being pursued because of his political beliefs and activism against authoritarian rule.
Gnyot, who describes himself as a journalist, film director, political activist, and political prisoner, played a significant role in the opposition protests that swept Belarus in August 2020 following allegations of mass vote-rigging in the presidential elections. He filmed the rallies, shared the material, and co-founded a group known as SOS.BY, which united prominent athletes speaking out against Lukashenko’s rule.
Despite the withdrawal of an Interpol red notice against him, Gnyot’s extradition to Belarus is still being considered by Serbian authorities. His lawyer, Maria Hudzilina, argues that the case against him is politically motivated, citing Belarus’ history of pressing economic charges against opponents.
Prominent filmmakers and artists, including Agnieszka Holland and Svetlana Alexievich, have signed an open letter urging Serbian authorities not to extradite Gnyot. However, his previous appeals against extradition have been rejected, with his lawyers criticizing the courts for failing to understand the reality of political oppression in Belarus.
As Gnyot awaits the court’s final ruling, he continues to advocate for his freedom, emphasizing that he is being targeted for standing up against election fraud and violence in Belarus. His case highlights the ongoing crackdown on political dissent in Belarus and the challenges faced by activists seeking asylum abroad.
