September 12, Pozirk. The state prosecutor has demanded four years’ imprisonment and a hefty fine for journalist Ihar Iljaš, while the defense attorney has demanded an acquittal, said Siarhiej Vahanaŭ, a veteran correspondent and grandfather of Kaciaryna Andrejeva, Iljaš’s wife.
Vahanaŭ said on Facebook that in his final statement to court, Iljaš rejected all charges and pleaded not guilty.
Authorities accused the journalist of discrediting Belarus and facilitating extremism.
The judge has scheduled the next hearing for September 16.
Earlier, Vahanaŭ said that Belarusian experts failed to prove that Iljaš had disseminated any false facts.
Journalist Kaciaryna Andrejeva is already serving a long sentence. Human rights activists have declared her and Iljaš political prisoners.
