Patriots released to avoid protest during OSCE PA session
Photo: Novy Chas
Having spent 3 months and 10 days in jail, last “patriots’ case” suspect Miraslau Lazouski was released on June 30. 11 people involved in the case were released in the past 3 days. It is unlikely to be a coincidence. The authorities have decided “to hush up” the case before the OSCE PA session because it could spoil the country’s image.
"To prevent mass protests during the OSCE PA session, the authorities have released [the patriots]. By experience, mass releases usually occur when the authorities want to please the West,” Ales Lahvinets thinks.
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly session will be held in Minsk on July 5-9.
‘The White Legion case’ (also known as ‘the patriots’ case’) was started on March 21. Ex-leader of the organization Miraslau Lazouksi was detained on that day. 20 more people were arrested several days later. However, all of them were released gradually.
The suspects are no longer accused of preparation for mass riots. Nevertheless, the case has not been closed so far. Lazouski and other patriots are still suspected of creating an illegal armed unit.
