The European Film Academy (EFA) and Belarusian Independent Film Academy (BIFA) have issued a statement calling for the immediate release of Belarusian filmmaker and activist Andrei Gnyot , who is currently detained in Serbia. Gnyot faces potential extradition to Belarus , where he could encounter imprisonment and other serious consequences. Gnyot gained recognition for his documentary work during the 2020 Belarus protests, including footage of athletes calling for free elections.
The Belarusian authorities are now pursuing legal action against him for these activities. According to the EFA, Gnyot was arrested in Serbia following an Interpol search request from Belarus. Although Interpol later canceled the request, Serbian authorities have maintained Gnyot’s detention.
The Belarusian Independent Film Academy (BIFA) has described Gnyot as a political prisoner, stating that his case is part of ongoing efforts by the Belarusian government to suppress dissent following the contested 2020 presidential election. In their statement, BIFA urged international organizations and human rights groups to appeal to Serbian authorities, emphasizing the urgency of preventing Gnyot’s extradition and securing his release. The EFA has echoed BIFA’s concerns, expressing solidarity with their Belarusian colleagues and calling on Serbian authorities to release Gnyot “immediately and unconditionally.
” The Academy is also encouraging other film and cultural institutions worldwide to support .
