In Belarus, two people charged with treason for conducting sociological research

In Belarus, three residents of Minsk — a 42-year-old man and two women aged 37 and 43 — have been taken into custody and charged with treason for conducting research, including sociological studies.

According to the Investigative Committee, the man, head of a company, prepared a study for an unnamed organization in exchange for financial compensation. The study allegedly contained “knowingly false information about state health policy, particularly regarding COVID-19 response measures.”

The two women conducted a separate study concerning “citizens’ preferences regarding the development of the country through integration with European Union nations.”

Investigators claim that the damage to the state amounted to over 186,000 Belarusian rubles (60,000 USD), which the accused have already compensated.

In addition to treason charges, the detainees are also accused of “failing to pay insurance contributions, resulting in large-scale damage.”

The criminal case has been forwarded to the prosecutor for referral to court.