Leonid, the Chairman of the Gomel branch of the Human Rights Center "Viasna", is a human rights activist with 20 years of experience in restoring violated rights of citizens. He was actively involved in preparing and sending numerous individual appeals to the UN Human Rights Committee against Belarus. In 2020, Leonid provided legal assistance in appealing court decisions in cases of participants in rallies in Gomel that took place after the falsification of the presidential elections. In January 2021, he was detained and convicted for participating in protests.
He was released on July 21, 2023, having fully served his sentence as determined by the court.
In early March 2024, a criminal case was opened against Leonid in absentia for "assisting extremist activity." In June of the same year, a trial in absentia took place, where he was sentenced to imprisonment and a large fine.
