Three opposition party members imprisoned over 2020 protests

October 31, BPN. Minsk’s Frunzenski District Court has sentenced Artur Smalakoŭ, Andrej Asmałoŭski and his partner Dzijana Čarnušyna to prison terms for participating in the 2020 protests, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported.

Judge Ała Skuratovič has imposed a two-year prison sentence on Čarnušyna and Smalakoŭ, and a term of three years, on Asmałoŭski. Defendants were reported to wear handcuffs during the trial.

All three are members of the opposition United Civic Party (UCP), arrested in July 2022 for allegedly “taking an active part” in a protest rally in Minsk on August 23, 2020, violating public order, ignoring police requests, and blocking public transport. Čarnušyna has a minor child with a disability.

Human rights defenders declared Smalakoŭ and Asmałoŭski political prisoners.

At least 100,000 people participated in the rally on August 23, 2020 in Minsk, protesting against the police violence and the results of the disputed presidential election. Police arrested over 100 participants.