General Directorate for Investigation of Offences related to Organized Crime and Corruption of the Central Bureau of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Belarus has initiated criminal proceedings against the Human Rights Center “Viasna” based on its activities.
This criminal case was brought under Art. 342 of the Criminal Code (Organization and active participation in group actions that grossly violate public order). In this case, active investigative actions are currently being carried out, including searches in the regional offices and apartments of the organization members, summons for interrogations and other procedural actions. Dmitry Solovyov, a Council member of the Human Rights Center "Viasna", is a suspect in this case and is under a travel ban. The list of persecuted human rights defenders is apparently open. // 06.03.2021
We assess the persecution of Viktoryia Kulsha, Siarhei Mirayeuski, Ryhor Davydau, Aliaksei Berazinski, Uladzimir Rubasheuski, Siarhei Salokha, Marek Siradze, and Vitaliya Bandarenka as politically motivated, as it is related solely to their exercise of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression and recognize them as political prisoners. // 04.03.2021
We consider the persecution and imprisonment of Ruslan Linnik, Viktar Tsarykevich, Ihar Kapanaika, Yan Rymarau, and Yury Kastsiuk to be politically motivated, as they are linked to their peaceful exercise of freedom of expression. Ruslan Linnik, Viktar Tsarykevich, Ihar Kapanaika, Yan Rymarau, and Yury Kastsiuk are therefore political prisoners. // 03.03.2021
We consider the following convicts as political prisoners:
Mikita Kharlovich (sentenced to five years in prison under Part 1 of Article 295-1, Article 13, Part 2 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code);
Dzmitry Tsimashenka (sentenced to two and a half years in prison under Article 364 of the Criminal Code);
Aliaksandr Dziarkach (sentenced to four years in prison under Articles 342, 364, and 218 of the Criminal Code);
Yuliya Kashaverava (sentenced to one and a half years in prison under Part 1 of Article 339 of the Criminal Code);
Aliaksandr Karatchenia (sentenced to one and a half years in prison under Article 363 of the Criminal Code);
Natallia Rayentava (sentenced to eight months in prison under Article 364 of the Criminal Code);
Mikita Zalatarou (minor, sentenced to five years in prison under Article 13, Part 2 of Article 293, Article 295-3 of the Criminal Code). // 27.02.2021
The accused did not encroach on sacred or historical and cultural values, did not destroy them. The graffiti themselves do not contain obscene language or language of hostility and hatred on the grounds of nationality, race, religion or social origin and other characteristics. The defendants also testified that they did not intend to call for violence.
The graffiti could not and did not lead to the significant damage or destruction of structures, and the material damage from such inscriptions was clearly symbolic. // 26.02.2021
