Photo: Katolik.life
On March 16th of this year, police arrested Anatol Parakhnevich, a 65-year-old Catholic priest, at his parish in Alkovichi, Minsk Region. During the time of his arrest, few details about the case were released. (See the initial report announcing his arrest.) While awaiting trial, Father Anatol reportedly suffered a heart attack during incarceration.
News sources recently disclosed that a closed trial was held in October without official notice. Although the Christian leader had been initially accused of treason, it appears that the court was unable to secure a conviction based on that charge. Instead, Father Anatol was convicted of "discrediting Belarus," "insulting official representatives" and/or "supporting extremist activity." As a result of these new convictions, he was sentenced to three years in prison.
The court has since refused to release details regarding the newly applied convictions, including the specific charges under which the priest was found guilty. When officials were contacted by Forum18 for information, they stated that disclosing such details was "forbidden." According to local parishioners, Father Anatol rejects the allegations against him and intends to appeal the verdict. To review previously published reports concerning the challenges facing Christians in Belarus, go to our country profile.
- As Father Anatol awaits his hopeful soon release from imprisonment, pray that he will receive impartations of God's strength, comfort and grace spiritually each new day; as well as needed restoration of his physical health and preservation of his emotional well-being.
- Ask the Lord to also grant this Christian leader and his legal representatives wisdom, favour and clarity throughout the appeal process, praying that the information required for them to present a strong defence will be readily available.
- Continue to prayerfully remember other church leaders in Belarus who have been imprisoned by governing authorities, as well as congregations undergoing different forms of persecution, asking God to also greatly encourage and equip them to remain steadfast in their faith.
