Opposition politician dismisses Belarus appeal hearing as circus

September 10, Pozirk. A panel has upheld a 20-year sentence against Franak Viačorka, a chief aide to opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja, the Prosecutor General’s Office said.

The office branded Viačorka as the leader of the Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja Team extremist group.

Viačorka, who lives in exile, dismissed the hearing as a circus.

“However, now we have the names, documents and evidence against everyone involved. We will document these crimes for history and a future independent trial. We will also attach it to a special jurisdiction case and send it to UN experts,” he told Pozirk.

Viačorka noted that a government-appointed defense attorney in Belarus did not communicate with him.

“She may be scared or may have other tasks,” Viačorka said.

On June 20, the Minsk City Court sentenced Viačorka to 20 years in prison without the defendant being present.

The 36-year-old politician was accused of inciting hatred, organizing mass riots and protests, high treason, conspiracy to overthrow the government, calling for sanctions, forming an extremist group, defaming the head of state and discrediting Belarus.

Also read: Exiled politician says he appealed to document lawlessness