Opposition politician says judges to answer for politically-motivated convictions

May 24, Pozirk. The trial of Franak Viačorka, exiled regime critic and aide to opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja, will open at 10.30 am on May 31, says the electronic court schedule.
Judge Valancina Ziańkievič, known for passing harsh sentences in politically-motivated cases, will preside over proceedings which will be held without the defendant being present.
Three months ago, the Investigative Committee accused Viačorka of conspiracy to overthrow the government, high treason, inciting hatred, organizing mass riots, participating in protests, calling for sanctions, discrediting Belarus, defaming Alaksandar Łukašenka and extremism-related crimes.
“Let them choke on their special proceedings and their charges,” Viačorka has told Pozirk in a comment on the upcoming trial. “I don’t recognize their ‘trial’ but I will do my best to hold accountable this HUBAZiK [a short name for interior ministry’s organized crime unit] clad in robes, as well as all those involved in the reprisals against Belarusians.”
The politician pledged to fight for the liberation of Belarus from Łukašenka’s rule and the release of all people imprisoned in politically-motivated cases.
The Investigative Committee filed criminal charges against hundreds of exiled activists. The Committee for State Security (KGB) also has a list of people it seeks to prosecute in absentia.
Amendments listing 34 offenses and allowing for investigations and trials in absentia came into effect in July 2022.

Authorities step up reprisals ahead of Coordination Council vote
- SocietyTemperatures hit record high on June 6The material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsOpposition politicians meet diplomats from Australia, BelgiumThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsReprisals: Minsk keeps cracking down on freedom of expressionThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBelarus’ sanctioned airline adds A330-200 to its fleetThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SportScottish Greens leader wants Belarus banned from World Cup qualifiersThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsCichanoŭskaja to take part in EU-Belarus group meeting in BrusselsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsHuman rights defenders label 14 as political prisonersThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBelarus’ vehicle sales fall in May after a change in auto loan termsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsFourty-five people have been added to "extremist list"The material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyŁukašenka bans banks from transferring cash to foreign gambling entitiesThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Society
- Politics
- SocietyBorder guards, riot police arrest drone operator in Hrodna regionThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- SocietyQueue to enter Poland from Belarus exceeds 1,800 vehiclesThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyFirst summer heatwave reaches BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsOpposition leader lauds Sweden’s commitment to democracy in BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsIrregular Belarus-EU crossings on the rise in early JuneThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBelarus’ foreign exchange reserves up 2 percent in MayThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyHeavy rain disrupts public transit in MinskThe material is available only to POZIRK+