Pavel was detained in connection with a criminal case opened following a protest that took place on September 23, 2020, in Minsk. He was convicted on three criminal charges, including "resisting a police officer." According to the charges, he called for participation in mass riots, which were allegedly pre-planned under the guise of mass events, blocked communications, and resisted by disobeying orders to open the door, refusing to exit the car, and holding onto the seat with his hands.
In July 2022, Pavel was convicted again of "malicious disobedience to the demands of the administration of a correctional facility"—an offense under which prisoners who refuse to cooperate with the administration are tried for fictitious violations.
Pavel was supposed to be released in August 2026, but was sentenced to another year of imprisonment under Article 411 of the Criminal Code (malicious disobedience to the demands of the prison administration).
