Political prisoner Dzmitry Kubarau sentenced to 7 years on ‘rioting’ charges
The Frunzienski District Court of Minsk handed down a verdict in the criminal case of political prisoner Dzmitry Kubarau, who was accused of organizing mass riots (Part 1 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code). Judge Dzmitry Lukashevich found Kubarau guilty and sentenced him to 7 years of imprisonment in a medium-security penal colony.
According to the indictment, from August 9 to 12, 2020, Dzmitry Kubarau called to join “riots”. He also allegedly organized the riots and participated in them. In addition, he reportedly intended to make a Molotov cocktail.
On August 11, Kubarau was detained and taken to the KGB prison. The same night, he was forced to sign a confession. His apartment was searched, after which security officers siezed a loudspeaker, medicines, water, IT equipment (phone, laptop), and canisters with solvent and turpentine, which were used to renovate the apartment. Since then, Kubarau has been in pre-trial detention.
Dzmitry Kubarau pleaded not guilty in court, saying that his confession was extorted by torture.
The country’s human rights community called Dzmitry Kubarau a political prisoner.
He and his lawyer plan to appeal the verdict.