Vitebsk breakdance star gets 11 years in prison in China. What happened?
Belarusian breakdancer Nikita Seleznev, known in the dance community by his nickname Wild Jerry, has been in a Chinese prison for over a year. According to his friends, Nikita's trial was held behind closed doors, and he was sentenced to 11 years of imprisonment. The dancer has now filed an appeal, and his friends are raising money for a lawyer.
Nikita Seleznev. Photo: social media
Who is Nikita Seleznev
Nikita Seleznev hails from Vitebsk. In Belarusian breakdance, he is one of the most prominent dancers of his generation. He has performed at international competitions and festivals, foreign break battles, and shows.
Nikita with his girlfriend, who also dances breakdance. Photo: Nikita's Instagram
Nikita reached the final of the Red Bull BC One world breaking championship — one of the main tournaments in this culture. For a dancer, reaching the BC One final is roughly equivalent to an athlete competing in the Olympic Games.
Photo: Nikita's Instagram
In the community, Nikita is described as "a dancer who could perform confidently on a big stage and in a small battle alike."
Photo: Nikita's Instagram
Nikita Seleznev's last Instagram post is dated December 1, 2024; he returned to Belarus then after performing at a breakdance championship in Moscow.
Photo: Nikita's Instagram
On his page, you can find many videos of street dancing in various Asian countries, mostly from China.
Screenshot from a video where Nikita dances on a street in Shanghai
What happened in China
According to information from friends, Nikita was detained in Beijing on December 21, 2024. Since then, he has been behind bars in China. The trial was closed; family and friends have not seen the case materials, and the essence of the charges is unknown. The only known details are a visit to a sauna with "new acquaintances" and an overnight stay in a private room, after which the arrest occurred.
The verdict was recently announced — 11 years of imprisonment. Nikita has filed an appeal, and its review will take place within a month. Lawyer services cost 10 thousand dollars. Nikita's friends and relatives have launched a fundraiser.
Photo from Nikita's team's Telegram @help_wildjerry
Why you can get 11 years in prison in China
The Chinese criminal justice system is quite strict and often imposes long sentences for actions that might be considered less serious in Europe.
A sentence of 10-12 years can be imposed, for example, for drugs (even small quantities), organizing or participating in illegal parties with drugs, serious violations of immigration laws combined with other articles, and so on.