Lawyer sentenced to 14 days of arrest

September 2, BPN. On September 2, a district court in Minsk sentenced lawyer Uładzimir Anhielski to 14 days in jail for defying police orders, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported.

According to the rights group, Judge Juryj Maškietaŭ opened the trial yesterday, and announced the decision today. Details are yet to be revealed.

The man was arrested on August 31.

Anhielski is a member of the Minsk Region Bar Association. Previously, he worked at the REVERA law firm, and was also a partner at Brahiniec and Partners.

This bureau’s founder, Vital Brahiniec, is held in pre-trial detention pending investigation. On the morning of May 23, KGB officers arrested him outside the entrance to his home in Minsk. He was then taken to a local police department to be checked for “involvement in protest activities.” The lawyer allegedly tried to escape, which was viewed as disobedience. Brahiniec was arrested for 15 days.

He has not been released after he served out his term. Instead, he was charged with organization of/active participation in group actions grossly disturbing public order.

In August 2022, Brahiniec was disbarred and expelled from the Minsk Region Bar Association “for misdemeanors incompatible with the title of lawyer.”