At least 98 people convicted in politically-motivated criminal cases in August

September 2, BPN. At least 98 people, over 80 percent of whom are male, were convicted in politically motivated criminal cases in August, 12 more than in July, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported.

Of these, more than a half were convicted of defamation. The human rights groups keep calling for decriminalization of defamation offenses. Twenty seven percent were convicted on charges of group actions that grossly violate public order in connection with anti-government protests.

All politically motivated verdicts passed in August involved imprisonment (64 percent) or restricted freedom sentences with referral to an open-type correctional facility (11 percent) or without it (25 percent).

In August, courts imprisoned 63 people for a total of 223 years and 10 months. Eleven people were sentenced to a total of 29 years of restricted freedom with referral to an open-type correctional facility, while 24 people got 62 years of restricted freedom to be served at home. This type of sentence also implies that they are required to retain or seek employment while police can visit them anytime to make sure they comply with the terms of confinement.

As an additional punishment, 11 people were fined a total of 89,600 rubles (over $35,000).