Ex-Banker Who Challenged Belarus Ruler Gets 14 Years in Jail
- Viktor Babariko sentenced in Minsk after a year in KGB prison
- President Alexander Lukashenko extends opposition crackdown
Viktor Babariko in court in Minsk, Belarus, on July 6.
Photographer: Ramil Nasibulin/BelTA Pool/AP Photos
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Belarus’s Supreme Court sentenced the former head of a Kremlin-controlled bank who sought to challenge President Alexander Lukashenko in last year’s elections to 14 years in jail, as the longtime ruler continues a sweeping crackdown on opponents.
The court in the capital, Minsk, convicted Viktor Babariko and imposed fines totaling more than $18 million, his press service said Tuesday. The ex-CEO of Belgazprombank faced charges of bribery, conspiracy and money-laundering, which he denies. His son Eduard and members of his campaign team remain in prison awaiting trial.