Belarusian ex-cop faces chemical castration or prison under extremism laws

Maxim Semichko, a former law enforcement officer from Belarus, has been convicted under extremism laws. The court offered him a choice between chemical castration or a prison sentence. His case follows a career in law enforcement and military service.

Born on January 8, 1995, in the Gomel region, Semichko attended School No. 2 in Narovlya. After finishing his education, he completed military conscription in 2016, serving in an elite honour guard unit.

By July of the same year, he had joined the police force. Over time, he worked as both an officer and a driver in a special battalion tasked with protecting diplomatic missions. His promotion to senior police sergeant came by 2019.

Semichko's last recorded activity on VKontakte was February 23, 2025. Authorities later charged him under Parts 1 and 2 of Article 361-4 of the Criminal Code. The charges related to facilitating extremist activities.

The court's ruling leaves Semichko with two options: undergo chemical castration or serve a prison term. His conviction marks the end of a career that included both military and law enforcement roles. No further details on public reaction or additional charges have been confirmed.