Pundit on Haraŭski ruling: disappointing that wrongdoers were not named

September 28, Pozirk. It is politically disappointing that those involved in the disappearance of Alaksandar Łukašenka’s opponents have not been named, Dr. Alexander Friedman, a historian, told BPN, commenting on the acquittal of ex-SOBR fighter Juryj Haraŭski by a court in Switzerland.

He said that the documents presented to the court were not enough to prove Haraŭski’s guilt. “It was his own testimony that served as the foundation, and he was confused in his testimony,” he added.

Everything now looks pretty good for Haraŭski, whose fate will soon be decided by the Swiss migration service, Friedman continued. There is a zero probability that he will be deported to Belarus, he said.

The experienced Belarus watcher also highlighted the importance of the judge’s remark that the crimes were a proven fact and authorities were involved. “Yes, we knew it before, and there is nothing surprising or sensational about it. But now it is in a European court ruling,” Friedman said.

“On the other hand, the need for further investigation is out of the question for now. But if the ruling calls to investigate the crimes further, there is a chance that the investigation will continue,” the pundit said.

Since Haraŭski was cleared of the accusation, it most likely means that the perpetrators were not named in the ruling and the judge used only the vague definition of “Belarusian authorities,” Friedman said.

He also commented on reports that Haraŭski might be seriously ill. In his opinion, this hardly contributed to the acquittal, but could increase his chances for a proper Swiss residency.

Friedman stressed that Haraŭski’s acquittal will not send a signal to the regime, which he said emerged unscathed. However, the court has left the Belarusian authorities with nothing to celebrate because it has recognized them as responsible for the crimes, he concluded.