The family of Belarusian journalist Roman Protasevich has alleged that he was coerced into making a televised confession admitting to organising anti-government protests. Mr Protasevich, 26, was arrested last month after his flight from Greece to Lithuania was forced to land in Minsk over a fake bomb threat.
In an interview broadcast on state television on Thursday, Mr Protasevich praised President Alexander Lukashenko and admitted attempting to topple him. Marks were visible on his wrists, and human rights groups say he was tortured. His father told AFP that he believed his son was broken and forced to say what was needed, urging the public not to believe the confession.
Exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya echoed these sentiments, stating that detainees are being tortured and violated and that their statements should not be trusted. Human Rights Watch described the video as evidence of brutality by security forces, calling for it to be used in a prosecution for torture under President Lukashenko.
Mr Protasevich was the editor of the opposition Nexta Telegram channel. He faces serious charges, including causing mass unrest, which carries up to 15 years in prison, and potentially terrorism offences that could lead to the death penalty. His girlfriend Sofia Sapega was also arrested and has appeared in similar forced confession videos.
The interview marked Mr Protasevich's third appearance on state television since his detention. While he spoke fluently and appeared composed, analysts note that his statements were out of character. The authorities' aim, they say, is to discredit the opposition and the protest movement that erupted after the disputed August election.
