UCP activists fined 25 mln rubles for solidarity with beaten in court

On February 16, the court of Leninski district of Minsk fined the three members of the United Civil Party. Party Chairman Anatol Lyabedzka and activist Mikalai Kazlou are to pay 10.5 million rubles (50 basic units), Volha Mayrova - 4.2 million rubles (20 basic units). The reason for the trial was the rally against police violence, which took place on January 30 near the Supreme Court building.

In commentary to BelaPAN, Lyabedzka called the decision predictable. "At the beginning of the trial I expressed distrust to the judge and said that the court's decision has already been prepared and I would be given a fine of 50 basic units," said the politician. He added that the activists of the party will likely appeal the decision -- up to the UN Committee on Human Rights.

At the rally on January 30, activists expressed solidarity with the community activists Shitik and Siarhei as well as the correspondent of tut.by Pavel Dabravolsky whom the riot police beat in the Frunze district court. The rally was attended by about 15 people.