Anarchists’ case convicts say trial unfair

September 7, BPN. Defendants in the so-called anarchists’ case believe that their trial was unfair, follows from the final statements published by the Viasna Human Rights Center.

Akichira Hajeŭski-Chanada called the trial theatrical and Kafka-like. For example, a mention of whistleblower Edward Snowden in an essay was used as incriminating evidence.

“They presented us as an international criminal ring threatening three states,” he added.

“Physical and psychological violence was used against me and other defendants during the arrest. My words have a confirmation in the case file,” Andrej Čapiuk said. “Today it is normal for politically motivated cases.”

The Minsk City Court on September 6 imposed lengthy prison sentences on two human rights defenders and eight anarchist activists. Viasna’s coordinator Marfa Rabkova was sentenced to 15 years in prison, and its volunteer Andrej Čapiuk to six.

The judge handed down 17 years on Alaksandr Franckievič, 16 years on Akichira Hajeŭski-Chanada, 12 years on Alaksiej Hałaŭko, six years on Pavieł Špietny, Mikita Draniec and Alaksandr Kaźlanka, and five years on Andrej Marač and Daniła Čul.

Human rights groups say their persecution is politically motivated.