Aleksei Shchedrov, a 28-year-old Christian man in Belarus, is facing a prison sentence because of his outreach to the homeless. Since December 2011, Aleksei has been running a shelter in his home that provides members of the street community with food, a bed, a bath and clothing. He also prays with his guests, and there is a prayer room at the shelter that is used by local villagers as well as residents. It is this prayer room with which the authorities have taken issue.
Following police raids on the property in Aleksandrovka, Grodno region, Aleksei is being investigated under Criminal Code Article 193-1, which prohibits “organisation or participation in activity by an unregistered political party, foundation, civil or religious organisation”. Although Aleksei insists he is running a charity, not a religious group, he could face a fine or up to two years’ imprisonment under these charges. The law has been severely criticised by human rights defenders, both within Belarus and internationally.
The report has come in through Barnabas Fund.
Belarus � Christian facing jail over prayer room