Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Belarus Dissident's Wife Hopes Trump Envoy Can Find Him After Turkey Disappearance
A man named Anatol Kotau, who left Belarus to protest its leader, disappeared after going to Turkey.
His wife hopes that America's special envoy to Belarus can help find him and bring him back home.
Anatol Kotau, a Belarusian dissident, disappeared after flying to Turkey in August 2021
His wife Anastasia believes he may be detained in Belarus or Russia
U.S. President Trump's special envoy to Belarus, John Coale, may negotiate his release
Kotau's supporters fear he was kidnapped, possibly by Belarusian or Russian security services
Anastasia hopes Kotau's name will be included in any prisoner release deal
- Who
- Anatol Kotau, a former Belarusian sports official and dissident
- What
- Disappeared after flying to Turkey
- When
- August 21, 2021
- Where
- Turkey, possibly Belarus or Russia
- Why
- Unknown, possibly due to political reasons or a kidnapping
Supporters of Kotau
Pro-Lukashenko Figures
Kotau's Disappearance
Supporters of Kotau
Believe he may have been kidnapped by Belarusian or Russian security services
Pro-Lukashenko Figures
Gloat over the case, suggesting he is a traitor and may be in prison
- Age
- 45 years old
- Wife's Name
- Anastasia Kotau
- Last Known Location
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Sentence in Absentia
- 12 years in prison for 'extremist' activity and conspiracy to seize power
- U.S. Envoy
- John Coale