New trial against jailed activist Hundar opens in Hrodna

February 2, BPN. A new trial against jailed activist Uładzimir Hundar began in Hrodna on January 31.

“The hearings were held on January 31 and February 1 under Article 369, insulting a state official,” the activist’s wife Alena Hundar told BPN.

Hundar is charged with insulting prosecutor Ludmila Hierasimienka, who opposed him during his previous trial.

On October 17, the Hrodna Regional Court gave a guilty verdict to 12 defendants in the high-profile “Aŭtuchovič case.” Hundar, an activist from Baranavičy, Brest region, was sentenced to 18 years in prison and a fine.

Hundar, who has a significant disability, first went on trial in May 2021 on violence charges. The Brest Regional Court sentenced him to three years.

Belarusian human rights defenders declared him a political prisoner.