Yuri was first detained on August 11, 2020, in Gomel and brutally beaten at the Novobelitsky District Police Department. He was charged with participating in an unsanctioned public event and sentenced to 12 days of administrative arrest.
In July 2021, Yuri was arrested again, this time in connection with a criminal case opened under the articles "insulting a government official," "insulting a judge," and "insulting Lukashenko." According to the prosecution, he subscribed to Telegram channels that published the personal information of law enforcement officers and, from December 2020 to April 2021, posted "offensive comments expressed in an obscene manner."
In November 2021, Yuri was found guilty of insulting 23 people — officials, judges, police officers, prosecutors, and Lukashenko — and sentenced to compulsory treatment in a psychiatric hospital.
Yuri was not present at the court hearings. According to his relatives, he was depressed, suffered panic attacks, and suffered from psychosomatic disorders. He also reportedly lost more than 35 kilograms during his imprisonment. His father acted as his legal representative.
