In early 2024, Yaroslav Novikau was detained while crossing the border between Georgia and Armenia. The regime had initiated a criminal case against the young man, accusing him of evading military service, and requested an interstate search within the CIS. Yaraslau, who had left the country due to the threat of mobilization, was placed in jail in Armenia to wait for a decision on his extradition. At the same time, lawyers from the Helsinki Association and representatives of democratic forces began advocating for Novikau’s release.
Today, the Armenian side announced that Yaraslau has been granted refugee status and is no longer subject to extradition. He will be released shortly.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Let me congratulate Yaraslau and his family on this news. I want to thank the Armenian authorities for this decision and their open approach to communication. Both representatives of democratic forces and human rights defenders have been raising Yaraslau’s case because defending Belarusians and ensuring their safety are our priorities.
I hope this case will set a positive precedent and help us further address security issues faced by Belarusians”.
