Complaints of oppositionists considered in absentia
- 3.08.2009, 9:34
On July 31, the Minsk city court considered a complaint of Uladzimir Kumets, an activist of the civil campaign “European Belarus”, convicted for a banner “Freedom to Autukhovich!”
The activist of the civil campaign “European Belarus” filed a complaint against the decision of the Tsentralny district court according to which Uladzimir Kumets and Maksim Vinyarski were accused under article 17.1 (disorderly conduct) for a banner “Freedom to Autukhovich!” on the bridge above Nyamiha Street in Minsk on June 30, 2009.
“The trial was appointed for 3 p.m., but a wrong cabinet was indicated in the schedule. I was late for the trial, it was carried out in absentia,” Uladzimri Kumets tells. “The complaint wasn’t satisfied. This is a quotation from the decision of the Minsk city court: “The arguments of the complaint contradict the circumstances of the case, the proofs and witness’s testimony, and are based on personal presentation of the circumstances to avoid the responsibility, so they can’t be found grounded.” The trial was conducted by judge Krot I.V.”
Uladzimir Kumets says he is going to appeal against the judgement in the Supreme Court.
“In spite of this, I will appeal the Supreme Court against the judgement, because I find this decision illegal, my actions wasn’t an offence, false records and witnesses were used against me. This demonstrates that human rights are violated in our country, any person can be convicted on farfetched grounds on orders from above,” Uladzimir Kumets commented on the situation to the website jeans-by.com.
Maksim Vinyarski, detained with Uladzimir Kumets for hanging out a banner, presented at the trial as a witness, though he had made a complaint against the court decision and hadn’t been invited to the trial. He learnt on an occasion that his complaint would be considered by another case on 3 p.m. on July 31. Vinyarski explained the judge he wouldn’t come to the trial without a summons and a lawyer. Judge Khrabastau delayed the trial until August 7, 2009.
“If I hadn’t come to support Uladzimir Kumets and give evidence at the trial over him, I wouldn’t have learnt about considering my complaint. This is a gross violation from a legal point of view and violation of human rights, disregarded in our country. Such violations are ordinary for representatives of the legal power. This negligence of the representatives of law should be suppressed,” Maksim Vinyarski said.
We remind that on June 30, activists of the civil campaign “European Belarus” Maksim Vinyarski and Uladzimir Kumets hung out a banner “Freedom to Autukhovich” on the bridge above Nyamiha Street. They were arrested by militiamen. A report under article 17.1 of the Code of Administrative Offences was drawn up against the detained. The oppositionists were accused of using foul language and insulting militia officers. Activists of “European Belarus” were fined 350,000 rubles.