Belarusian Activist Vitaly Shyshov s Death Is Investigated in Ukraine as Homicide – WSJ

MOSCOW A Belarusian activist who headed a group in Ukraine that helps Belarusians escape repression in their homeland was found dead a day after disappearing near his home in Kyiv, an incident that comes amid an intensifying crackdown on Belarusian activists.

Ukrainian authorities said Tuesday they were investigating the death of Vitaly Shyshov, who was found hanged in a park not far from his residence, as a homicide. All scenarios would be investigated, including the possibility of murder disguised as suicide, police said.

The incident comes as Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has stepped up a campaign to suppress any form of opposition to his nearly 30-year rule. A year after declaring victory in a presidential election that local activists and Western leaders widely believe was rigged, Mr. Lukashenko has launched raids on opponents homes, banned independent media outlets, allowed security personnel to use live ammunition against protesters, and jailed or exiled key opponents.

via www.wsj.com