Uladzimir Nyaklyayeu’s trial took… 40 seconds (updated)
Nyaklyayeu’s sentence has been vacated.
Numerous journalists, diplomats and civil activists attended the hearing.
However, it seemed that the hearing would be delayed. Minsk Lenin District Court could not decide in what court room it had to be held, Euroradio journalist Zmitser Luakshuk reported.
Finally, Nyaklyayeu entered the judge’s office and… went out 40 seconds later. It turned out that the hearing had been held on July 23 in Nyaklyayeu and his lawyer’s absence. However, Nyaklyayeu’s notice of appointment said that the trial would take place on July 25. When he asked about the discrepancy, the judge replied: “Aren’t you satisfied with the release?”
Ex-presidential candidate Uladzimir Nyaklyeyeu was convicted for the events in the Square after the presidential election in May 2011. He was sentenced to two years of imprisonment with a 2-year respite.
