The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

The Maskouski district administrative commission of Minsk considered the case of Uladzislau Lobau, an under-aged activist of the Belarusian National-Bolshevik Party who took part in spilling noodles and scattering leaflets at the entrance of the Belarusian State TV and Radio Company on 3 December 2011. The youngsters did it to express their protest against false information regularly spread by the state media.

Vitebsk resident Pyotr Ivanov, a citizen of the Russian Federation, representative of the party "United Russia" and the activist of the civil campaign "Speak Truth," was fined 140,000 rubles for allegedly using foul language. He had been detained for handing out leaflets calling for solidarity with Siarhei Kavalenka.

Judge Mr. Runou of Minsk Regional Court has upheld the BYR 525,000 fine handed down to Barysau pro-democratic activist Mikalai Iliushonak on 12 December 2011, dismissing the activist’s complaint against the verdict by Barysau District Court.

The Pershamaiski District Court of Vitsebsk finished the proceedings on an administrative case against political prisoner Siarhei Kavalenka. Judge Volha Ivanova fined him for alleged swearing at officers of the penal inspection.

On 6 January court marshals paid an unexpected visit to Ales's apartment. They demanded that he paid a fine to which he had been sentenced last year for holding an electoral meeting of Hrodna residents with presidential candidate Mikalai Statkevich. After the meeting Kirkevich and some more Hrodna activists had been sentenced to pay fines of 700,000 rubles for participation in “unauthorized rally”.

Heorhi Stankevich, editor of the small-circulation newspaper “Kryvinka”, distributed in the Beshankovichy district, was charged with violation of the distribution rules. He was to have been tried for it on 4 January. However, Heorhi didn't manage to come due to an illness.

Uladzimir Katsora and Uladzimir Niapomniashchykh addressed the Tsentrany District Court of Mahiliou with an appeal against the unlawful arrest.

Trials of youth activists continued at the Maskouski District Court of Minsk despite the New Year Holidays.