Update on arrests, trials, politically-motivated persecution

November 24, BPN. New cases of politically-motivated persecution were documented in Belarus on November 23.

Arrests

Police arrested Siarhiej Saŭkin, co-founder of the popular science project for children and adults in Minsk, pro-government sources reported. He admitted to participating in protests, blocking the road traffic, and subscribing to opposition Telegram channels in a video filmed by police. Authorities also cited his Christmas party scenario, where he suggested choosing a new Santa because the old one was tired.

A pro-government blogger reported the arrest of three employees of the Brest Public Transport company – Ihar Parfianiuk, Siarhiej Sierada, and Alaksandr Saroka – for opposition views and alleged abuse of workers’ rights.

Police also arrested Kanstancin Dzikun and Rusłan Michalenka from Svietłahorsk, Homiel region, for online comments, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported.

Valancina Bołbat from Vierchniadźvinsk, Viciebsk region, is also under arrest, presumably as part of a crackdown on former members of the Movement for Freedom, Viasna reported.

Searches

The Committee for State Security (KGB) searched the home of Juryj Kazakievič, owner of a Belarusian souvenir store and a member of the Movement for Freedom, in Baranavičy, Brest region, Viasna reported.

Trials

Authorities fined Anatol Šumčanka, leader of the Perspektiva business association shut down by the authorities, 480 rubels (some $200) for disseminating “extremist content,” a charge often used to punish online commentators, Viasna reported.

A court in Hrodna heard a case against Illa Kadzietaŭ and Dźmitryj Babkoŭ, but the verdict remains unknown, Viasna said. Both were previously sentenced to restricted freedom terms for participation in protests. Human rights groups consider them political prisoners.

Criminal proceedings

A court in Mahiloŭ sentenced Danuta Piarednia, 20, to six and a half years in prison on charges of harming national security and insulting Alaksandr Łukašenka, Viasna said. The same court overturned a similar verdict, passed against the activist by the Kiraŭski District Court in the Mahiloŭ region in July.

The Minsk Regional Court resumed the trial of Aleh and Taćciana Birul, Aleh Haŭryłaŭ, and Siarhiej Pasiuk after an additional investigation. Authorities accuse them of inciting hatred, damaging property, promoting extremist activities, and slandering Łukašenka, according to Viasna. Human rights groups declared all four political prisoners.

A court in Minsk is expected to deliver a verdict in a new case against well-known musician Uładzisłaŭ Pluščaŭ on November 24, Viasna said. The charges of insulting an official, slander and sharing personal data leveled against him are widely seen as politically motivated. He had been already sentenced to two years in prison on similar charges back in August.

Authorities postponed the trial of journalist and Polish minority activist Andrzej Poczobut scheduled for November 28, the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) reported. The reasons are unknown and the new trial date has not yet been set. Poczobut is accused of incitement to hatred and calls for sanctions.

As of November 24, human rights defenders identified at least 1,450 political prisoners.