Ankara: A Prague court has upheld the government's decision to expel Belarusian journalist Natalia Sudliankova, who was accused of working for Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU, Czech Radio reported Friday. The Prague Municipal Court rejected Sudliankova's lawsuit challenging the government's decision to place her on its sanctions list in April 2025, with the ruling also relying on classified information.

According to Anadolu Agency, the court found that Sudliankova was instructed and compensated by a GRU officer and an employee of USM Holding, a company established by sanctioned Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov. She faced accusations of secretly collaborating with Russian organizations, including the GRU, the Foundation for the Protection and Support of the Rights of Compatriots Abroad, and the Immortal Regiment of Russia.

Sudliankova, who had previously been granted asylum in Czechia, was ordered to leave the country within 30 days. Her alleged liaison officer, Alexei Shavrov, was also placed under sanctions and ordered to leave. Her activities were reportedly uncovered by the Czech Security Information Service.