Pahaniayla: They put Mikhalevich on international "wanted" list

Pahaniayla: "In this case the authorities of the main harassment can only change his restraint for arrest again. They can put him on a wanted list, first nationally, then internationally. Then, when he emerges in some country, they can demand his extradition to Belarus upon the procedures set in our legislation and international agreements of the Republic of Belarus". 

According to the lawyer, legislation prescribes no responsibility for breaking a non-leave obligation. However, Harry Pahaniayla has reminded that ordinary citizens bailed for Mikhalevich so that he would be released. 

Pahaniayla: "However, we need to remember that some citizens acted as bails with regard to Mikhalevich. Certain measures may be taken against the bail in this case".

However, Mikhalevich was released not due to the citizens’ bails. Nevertheless, the expert thinks this can damage the whole image of a bail as an institution. In particular, they can keep the people, accused of mass disturbances, in custody, referring to Mikhalevich’s example.

However, the lawyer thinks that Mikhalevich’s escape will not have any impact on the condition of Iryna Khalip and Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu.  

Pahaniayla: "Iryna Khalip and Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu are under a thorough guard. They are under house arrest and are not likely to run away. However, there was an incident, when Mrs. Vinnikava, the former head of the national Bank, managed to run away in some Western country".

Mikhalevich’s escape is not the first and not the only case in our country when citizens looked for refuge abroad, running away from the court’s persecution.

Pahaniayla: "Yes, there were cases like this, dozens of them. People distrusted our courts, they realized that they would be imprisoned and ran away from the country, seeking refuge abroad".

Pahaniayla says that the West did not extradite political refugees back to Belarus. He recalls a businessman Pupejka as an example. He escaped to Poland from criminal harassment and the Polish authorities did not extradite him, basing on political grounds.