Babaryka’s son goes on trial in Minsk after three years in custody

May 22, BPN. The Minsk Regional Court has started hearing a case against Eduard Babaryka, 33, the son of former presidential hopeful Viktar Babaryka. 

Eduard Babaryka ran the crowdfunding platforms Ulej and MolaMola, and was one of his father’s campaign leaders. He may face up to 20 years in prison on charges of inciting hatred and organizing riots.

Police arrested the father and son a few weeks before the August 2020 presidential election.

In July 2021, the Supreme Court sentenced Viktar Babaryka to 14 years in prison, finding him guilty of large-scale fraud and legalization of funds derived from criminal activity. The ex-banker pleaded not guilty.

Last month, a worker rights group reported his hospitalization with signs of beating and a collapsed lung. His team says his whereabouts remain unknown.