Tsikhanouski, Statkevich, Losik and others to stand in-prison trial behind closed doors
Besides Syarhey Tsikhanouski (top row, center), other Belarusian oppositionists will also be going on trial on June 24, including Ihar Losik (top left), Mikalay Statkevich (top right), Uladzimer Tsyhanovich (bottom left), Artsyom Sakau (bottom row, center), and Dzmitry Papou (bottom right). Photo credit: rferl.org
The trial of several key opposition figures and critical vloggers, including Mikalai Statkevich, Siarhei Tsikhanouski and Ihar Losik, is expected start on June 24, rferl.org said citing their families. The hearings will be held behind closed doors inside the pre-trial prison in Homieĺ.
Ihar Losik, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Mikalai Statkevich, Uladzimir Tsyhanovich, Artsiom Sakau and Dzmitry Papou were all earlier called political prisoners by the country’s human rights community. They were arrested in May-June 2020 and faced an array of charges, including “organizing mass disturbances” and “incitement of social hostility against government officials and law enforcement agencies.” If found guilty, they will be imprisoned for up to 15 years.
