Ex-manager of MTS mobile operator and musician Aliaksei Kuzmin was sentenced to 7 years in a penal colony

On September 18, a political prisoner, former manager of the MTS mobile operator and front-man of the band Zakon Huku Aliaksei Kuzmin, was sentenced to seven years in a medium-security penal colony in the Minsk City Court in the high-profile case of the Black Book of Belarus. Despite the fact that in July the political prisoner gave a "repentant interview" to propagandists, he was convicted under two articles of the Criminal Code: for "aiding to the incitement of other social hatred by a group of persons" and "active participation in actions grossly violating public order." His trial began on September 11 under the close attention of propagandists. The verdict of the political prisoner was pronounced by Siarhei Khrypach. 

Aliaksei Kuzmin at the trial on September 11. Photo: sb.by

Aliaksei was detained on October 26, 2022 and placed in custody. According to the prosecution's version, Aliaksei Kuzmin, from August 9, 2020 to April 8, 2021, holding the position of head of the department of pre-billing and billing systems of MTS mobile operator and having access to personal information of mobile operator customers, leaked it to the Black Book of Belarus, Punishers of Belarus, and All Violations! Telegram channels. At least 57 victims are involved in the case: security forces employees, pro-government journalists, officials, judges, prosecutors, and their family members. Among them is propagandist Liudmila Hladkaya, Member of the House of Representatives Siarhei Klishevich, businessman Yauhen Alekseyuk.

Also, the political prisoner is being tried for participating in a protest action, proved by his photo on a roadway.

As a result, Kuzmin was charged under two articles of the Criminal Code: Part 6 of Article 16 and Part 3 of Article 130 (aiding to the incitement of hatred committed by a group of persons) and Article 342 (active participation in actions grossly violating public order). His trial began on September 11 under the close attention of propagandists.

At the trial, Aliaksei fully admitted his guilt and repented of what he had done. He petitioned for the trial to be held behind closed doors, but the petition was not granted. The trial is held in open mode, the victims are interrogated on it. It is known that the prosecutor requested seven years of imprisonment for Aliaksei. This is exactly the term imposed by Siarhei Khrypach.

Support Aliaksei with money transfers, parcels, and letters: SIZO-1, 220030, g. Minsk, vul. Valadarskaha, 2, Aliaksei Uladzimiravich Kuzmin