Investigative Committee files criminal case on Kalinoŭski Regiment fighting in Ukraine

The Investigative Committee of Belarus commenced criminal proceedings against the creators and participants of The Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment.

The Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment is named after Konstanty Kalinowski, who led an uprising in 1863 against the Russian Empire in Belarus.

The Main Investigative Directorate of Belarus has brought criminal charges of ‘creating an extremist formation or participating in it’ (Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code) against members of Kalinoŭski Regiment, reports the press service of the Investigative Committee.

The publication posted on Telegram messaging app reads:

“A group of Belarusians in Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland, inspired by the ideas of nationalism and following the chauvinistic guidelines of the armed formations of the neighboring country, cooperated and created the so-called Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment.”

The Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regimentalso known as the Kalinoŭski Regiment is a group of Belarusian volunteers, which was formed in March 2022 to defend Ukraine against the 2022 Russian invasion. It is reported that about 1,000 Belarusians have joined the formation.