Murder investigation launched after Belarus activist found dead in Ukraine

The leader of a group that helps people flee persecution in Belarus was found dead in a park near his home in Ukraine early Tuesday, prompting police to launch a murder investigation.

The body of Vitaly Shishov, who led the group Belarusian House, was discovered hanged in a park, police said in a statement, according to The Associated Press. He went for a jog the day before and didn't return, Belarusian House said. "There is no doubt that this was a planned operation by security operatives to liquidate a Belarusian, dangerous for the regime. We will continue to fight for the truth about Vitaly's death," Belarusian House asserted, according to AP.