Accessibility links

Breaking News

Belarusian Singer May Face Up To Four Years In Prison For Singing Ukrainian Song In Bar

Meryem Herasimenka, aka Meryem Hera
Meryem Herasimenka, aka Meryem Hera

Well-known Belarusian singer Meryem Herasimenka, aka Meryem Hera, has gone on trial in Minsk for singing a song by the popular Ukrainian group Okean Elzy -- in Ukrainian -- in a Minsk bar in August. Herasimenka was arrested at the time and twice sentenced to 15 days in jail before a criminal case was launched against her on a charge of "actively participating in group actions that grossly violate public order." If convicted, the 28-year-old entertainer could face up to four years in prison. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Belarus Service, click here.

  • 16x9 Image

    RFE/RL's Belarus Service

    RFE/RL's Belarus Service is one of the leading providers of news and analysis to Belarusian audiences in their own language. It is a bulwark against pervasive Russian propaganda and defies the government’s virtual monopoly on domestic broadcast media.

​
XS
SM
MD
LG