Supreme Court to hear Cichanoŭskaja’s appeal on June 20

May 15, BPN. The Belarusian Supreme Court will consider opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja’s appeal against her 15-year sentence for high treason and conspiracy on June 20, according to a press release form the court’s office.

Cichanoŭskaja was sentenced in absentia by Minsk City Court Judge Piotr Arłoŭ on March 6.

She filed a complaint against the verdict on March 14, stating that she did not know what she was accused of and that she had not received any procedural documents. Cichanoŭskaja also said that she was defended by an appointed lawyer with whom she was never able to discuss the legal position on the case.

Cichanoŭskaja’s press office said the complaint was filed to document violations of her basic human rights and freedoms. If the appeal is turned down, it will be possible to raise the issue with international bodies, including the United Nations.