Belarusian dissident athletes tried in absentia

December 19, BPN. The Minsk City Court has started special proceedings in a case against the founders of the Belarusian Sports Solidarity Foundation, the Supreme Court’s online schedule said.

Authorities accuse three-time Olympic medalist Alaksandra Hierasimenia and handball club Vityaz’s former director Alaksandr Apiejkin of calling for sanctions and harming national security. Both left Belarus for fear of political persecution.

So far, the trial has been open to the public. Judge Sviatłana Bandarenka, known for imposing politically-motivated sentences, presides over the proceedings.

Trials in absentia in the so-called special proceedings target those living abroad and evading contact with investigators. The authorities’ ultimate goal in the process is to strip dissidents of their Belarusian citizenship.