The letter of the law: Ivan Shyla tried in absentia

• 5.06.2009, 11:33

The Court of Salihorsk considered Ivan Shyla’s complaint against the military. Shyla demands the court to find illegal actions of military and doctors during his forceful draft into the army.

Commanders of the military unit near Lepel, where the “Young Front” activist serving there, didn’t allowed Ivan Shyla to attend the trial. In spite of a motion of his father, the court found it possible to hear the complaint in absence of Shyla, Radio Svaboda reports.

Judge of the Court of Salihorsk Syarhei Samuilik dismissed a motion of Uladzimir Shyla, father of the “Young Front” activist, and Pavel Sapelka, who asked to secure the claimer’s presence at trial.

The other side was represented by Mikalai Barodzka, head of the draft board of the Salihorsk military enlistment office. The army man was asked who had decided to call up Ivan Shyla without carrying out necessary medical examination: he didn’t undergo medical tests, his heart wasn’t examined, etc. Colonel Barodzka was asked to answer why Ivan Shyla hadn’t been given a chance to appeal against the decision of the draft board.

The army man didn’t answer the questions explaining he needed an additional consultation to answer them.

Meanwhile, conditions of army service have worsened for Ivan Shyla. The guy got 35 duties. Moreover, he must spend 7 days in confinement facility for using a mobile telephone. Ivan Shyla said the commanders promised hew wouldn’t be signed out for weekends for the remaining period of service.