Ilya Bokhan

Ilya Bokhan is a former political prisoner from Belarus who was arrested during the protests following the disputed presidential elections of August 2020. At just 17 years old, he was detained for allegedly throwing a can at the police during a demonstration. His time in custody was marked by harsh treatment, including solitary confinement and psychological pressure, as he faced charges that he claimed were fabricated. Despite enduring significant hardships, including a year-long marriage that ended in divorce during his imprisonment, Ilya maintained hope for his eventual release. After serving three and a half years in a penal colony, he was released in April 2024, only to find himself under strict surveillance by authorities. Fearing further persecution, he later fled Belarus for safety.