Ihar Illyaš

Ihar Illyaš is a prominent Belarusian independent journalist who has been sentenced to four years in prison for 'discrediting' Belarus and aiding 'extremist' activities. Known for his critical commentary on the Belarusian regime and its involvement in the Ukraine conflict, Illyaš has become a symbol of the repressive measures against free speech in Belarus, maintaining that 'freedom of speech is not a crime' during his trial.