There are no sources to be trusted. And let me warn you against trusting Zerkalo.
But armed with the scientific method, one can use any propaganda as an informative source. And the more it contradicts one's views the more informative it is. On the other hand, reading confirmations of what one saw already confirmed many times is basically a waste of time.
My attempt for a more elaborate version of this: http://avodonosov.blogspot.com/2024/09/scientific-method-for...
As for the deliberate manipulations and back to the HN topic. Have you noticed that the Iranian man was sentenced "after" tweeting a dot? Not "because", not "for" , but simply "after"? If you read the article, there is no evidence of causal link between the dot posted and the arrest. The arrest just happened chronologically after. The actual charges are different and the man has a long history of being at odds with the ruling regime.
I think that's an intentionally misleading title. And you seem fallen for it, replying "what for people in Belarus are being locked up".
I understand why the regime is posting all these "confession videos" - it is the same propaganda, but aiming to coral people into being afraid to read news. And it seems to work. (And in a way opposition media is helping regime with this task.)
And no, I am not suggesting to not read. Someone on hn is plenty equipped to get through these things technologically, without becoming another piece of regime propaganda and/or getting their life ruined. It is absurdity of what people in civilized country in 21st century are subjected to is what drives me nuts.
I hope it's clear I am not supporting the arrest. I just don't like fakes.
> I do personally know people locked up for 2+ years for clicking the like button (and not after clicking on the button) on the article in telegram.
What are the official charges? I did a quick search. Actions like this fall under article 19.11 of the Administrative Code. (https://etalonline.by/document/?regnum=hk2100091). Distribution, production, or possession with the goal of distribution, of information products containing calls to extremist activity.
Likes and subscriptions to such sources may be considered their endorsement and also fall under this article. https://www.court.gov.by/ru/mogilevskij/oblastnoj/sud/press_... https://lida.gov.by/printv/ru/2023-edi-ru/view/o-merax-proti...
(I know you probably can't access the URLs from abroad, maybe will post screenshots later).
But the penalties under this article do not include prison. It can result in fine, confiscation of the device used, administrative arrest (max 15 days), community service.
Aren't you confusing people who got 2+ years in prison for a like with people who say they got 2+ years in prison for a like?
Overall, that's not a topic for the HN forum, but let me say that the political views you (and many others) seem to have, are mistaken, in my opinion. The mistake is not in what you see. The suppression of the protest exists, although maybe not in such extreme form as you think.
The mistake is in the gigantic "elephants in the room" that you don't see and don't account for.