Film Industry Professionals Urge Serbia to Block Extradition of Activist to Belarus

European artists are urging Serbian authorities not to extradite Belarusian activist Andrei Gnyot back to Belarus, warning that he faces imprisonment, torture, or even the death penalty if sent back. Gnyot, a filmmaker, was detained in Serbia after Belarus issued a warrant for his arrest on tax evasion charges, which he claims are political. He has been in jail in Belgrade for seven months and is currently on house arrest awaiting a final appeal hearing. The artists, including prominent figures like Juliette Binoche, Svetlana Alexievich, and Agnieszka Holland, are calling for his immediate release and highlighting the politically motivated nature of his charges. They argue that Gnyot is being prosecuted by the Belarusian authoritarian regime for his involvement in the protests against the rule of Alexander Lukashenko. Belarusian athletes have also spoken out in support of Gnyot, noting his role in organizing dissident athletes. The activist has appealed to the Serbian justice minister to block his extradition if the court rules against him, emphasizing the dangers he and other Belarusians face in a dictatorship. The letter urges Serbian authorities to consider the recommendations of international human rights organizations and to prevent the extradition of Gnyot to Belarus.

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