Viasna Human Rights Centre
Belarus · Viasna
01Overview
Quick Facts
CountryBelarus
Age / Sex45 · male
Occupation—
Arrested inSvetlahorsk, Belarus
Held atPenal Colony No. 11
CategorySocial media
StatusConvicted
Sentence8 years
Belarus · context
1,277documented cases
393 urgent · 116 report torture
Most common grounds
Journalism
101
Legal Profession
11
Medical
2
Culture
1
Reports of Torture or Ill-treatment.
Subjected to physical abuse or severe ill-treatment in detention. Violation of international law.
Case Summary
Pavel Niadbajla is a construction specialist and marathon runner from Svetlahorsk. He was detained in September 2020 as part of the 'Chat Case' involving Telegram group participants. He was accused of participating in mass riots and property damage. During his arrest, he reportedly suffered physical abuse from security forces.
Key Facts
01 entries- 01[politzek] Павел с юности работает строителем, и за это время стал специалистом широкого профиля: может залить монолит, возвести стены, заборы, положить крышу, заняться внутренней отделкой. Жена Павла, Ирина, рассказывает о том, что муж не бросает слов на ветер. Несколько лет назад пообещал бросить свои вредные привычки и вести здоровый образ жизни ради дочери и не подвёл свою семью. Бегает полумарафоны, подозреваем, что не трусцой, а во всю мощь!
Native-Language SummaryBE • Original
Павел Нядбайла — будаўнік і марафонец са Светлагарска. Ён быў затрыманы ў верасні 2020 года ў межах «справы чата» ўдзельнікаў тэлеграм-чатаў. Яго абвінавачвалі ў удзеле ў масавых беспарадках і пашкоджанні маёмасці. Пры затрыманні ён, паводле паведамленняў, пакутаваў ад фізічнага гвалту з боку супрацоўнікаў.
02Charges
Charges
02 count- 01Participation in mass riots
- 02Intentional destruction or damage of property
Criminal Code Articles
02 articleArt. BY-293Art. BY-218
03Analysis
Predicting Vector
Surveillance vector
Surveillance vectorSocial Media Monitoring
Technology usedTelegram
04Timeline
Case Timeline
Arrest date
September 29, 2020
Sentence served
5y 9mo / 8 years
05Sources
Data Source
Source vs. PPW analysis
ViasnaCase facts, charges, dates, and status.
PPW analysisRisk, surveillance & sentence estimates — probabilistic, not the source's reporting.
View all data sources →§ Updates
Get updates
We'll email you when new information about Pavel Niadbajla is published.
You'll receive a confirmation email. Unsubscribe any time from a link in the emails.
Cite this case
Political Prisoner Watch. (2026). Case file: Pavel Niadbajla (PPW case cmmkyi1h). Retrieved July 6, 2026, from https://politicalprisonerwatch.org/prisoners/cmmkyi1h000271vcfejjtuewr. Original data from Viasna Human Rights Centre (https://prisoners.spring96.org/en/person/pavel-niadbajla).
Formats reflect this case as an online database record. Always verify the original source before citing in legal filings.