Picketers of Horki penal colony sentenced to arrest
- 4.08.2011, 1:46
On August 3, detained participants of a picket to support Young Front leader Zmitser Dashkevich stood trials in Drybin and Horki (the Mahilou region).
The picket was held on August 2 near the penal colony in Horki, where Dashekvich serves his sentence. Young activists demanded that the colony authorities allow a lawyer to visit Dashkevich. Activists stood near the penal facility with a banner “Stop Persecution”. Policemen and prison officers ran up to them. 14 persons were detained. They spent the night in a police station, BelaPAN reports.
Trials were expected to be conducted in Horki, but most of the detainees were sent to Drybin, because Alyaksandr Lukashenka was on a visit to Horki.
Four persons were tried in Hroki. Maksim Syamyanou got 10 days of arrest, Alyaksandr Vyalitchanka was fined 1 million rubles. Dzmitry Shukhrai and Ivan Shyla were released in the courtroom after they demanded a lawyer. It was an evening and no lawyers were present in the court. Shyla and Shukhrai will stand trial in Horki on August 8.
Trial over Raman Vasilyeu was postponed till August 9. The decision was taken by the court of Dryblin after Raman asked for legal assistance. The activist was released until the next trial.
The court of Drybin also gave Mikalai Dzemidzenka 17 days of arrest, Yauheny Skrabets 10 days, Hanna Sharuba 13 days, Alyakseu Syanchyla 7 days, Yulia Mikhailava 10 days, Raman Panzhyn 5 days, Vyachaslau Barysau 10 days of arrest. Independent journalist Tatsyana Shaputska got 10 days of arrest. She said at the trial she had performed her professional duties at the picket. The judge watched footage and heard audio materials and took it into account, but this fact did not influence the verdict.
Nasta Palazhanka, the deputy head of Young Front international organization and Zmitser Dashkevich fiancée, was sentenced to 12 days of arrest.
Most of the activists were accused of violating two articles of the Code of Administrative Offences: taking part in an unauthorized public action and resistance to police.