Human rights defenders: Byalyatski’s trial was not about economic issues

Ales Byalyatski’s appeal has been considered in Minsk City Court today. The hearing was held in the convict’s absence. Prosecutor Kiryl Chubkavets said that Byalyatski’s previous sentence was fair. He claimed that Byalyatski’s guilt had been proved and that his sentence did not have to be changed.

Lawyer Zmitser Layeuski asked to change Byalyatski’s measure of detention and drew attention to the fact that all the losses had been compensated to the state. Nevertheless, the judge did not change the sentence.

Let us remind you that the human rights activist was sentenced to 4.5 years of imprisonment and confiscation of his property. The flat occupied by Byalyatski’s colleagues was on the list. They are leaving the office they have occupied since 2000 today.

 Human rights defender Tatstsyana Ravyaka has informed Euroradio about it. According to her, Byalyatski’s colleagues had been hoping that a least part of Ales Byalyatski’s sentence would be cancelled after the appeal hearing.
Ravyaka: "Lukashenka claimed unambiguously: he should return the money and he will be released. However, it has turned out that the case was not about money. The losses that are said to have been caused by Byalyatski have been compensated… But the court’s decision has not changed! This is a political case, there is no economic component in Byalyatski’s case”.