Babaryka’s son pleads not guilty to all charges

May 22, BPN. Eduard Babaryka, the son of former presidential hopeful Viktar Babaryka, has pleaded not guilty to all charges at the trial that human right defenders denounce as politically motivated.

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.

Eduard Babaryka went on trial in a Minsk court today. The prosecutors said that he helped activist and blogger Siarhiej Cichanoŭski to organize riots. The defendant allegedly used the crowdfunding platforms to launch “destructive projects” stirring up anti-government sentiment and to raise funds.

Eduard Babaryka told the court that the charges make no sense to him, emphasizing that he wasn’t personally acquainted with Cichanoŭski.