Ethnic Belarusian twin brothers Mikhail and Alexander Kononovich were detained by the SBU in Kiev in March 2022. They are accused under two parts of Article 109 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - “Actions aimed at seizure of state power” and “Distribution of materials with calls for violent seizure of state power”. The brothers spent a year in prison cells, where they were denied access to a doctor and lawyers, tortured and forced to admit guilt, including that of working for Russian intelligence. Both pleaded not guilty to any of the charges.
In April 2023, after a series of rallies by left-wing parties in solidarity with the Komsomol brothers took place near Ukrainian embassies in European countries, they were transferred to house arrest with “bracelets.” They still face long prison sentences and physical reprisals.